---
title: Lion of Babylon [Detail]
author: oversnap
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/293/lion-of-babylon-detail/
format: machine-readable-alternate
updated: 2024-09-23
---

# Lion of Babylon [Detail]

_Authored by oversnap_

## Image File

[![Lion of Babylon [Detail]](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/293.jpg)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/293.jpg)

## Image Caption

Detail of glazed tiles depicting a lion, from the gates of ancient [Babylon](https://www.worldhistory.org/babylon/) (modern-day Iraq). 
 
The lion is the symbol of Babylon, and represents [Ishtar](https://www.worldhistory.org/ishtar/), the goddess of fertility, love and [war](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/War/). Meant not only to symbolise Babylon, but to instill fear in enemies, it seems fitting that a single stone lion, albeit poorly preserved, is the only true remainder of Babylon that stands in Iraq today.

Some 120 lions were created in polychrome relief tiles for the processional way towards the northern entrance to Babylon, the Gate of Ishtar, as well as [Nebuchadnezzar II](https://www.worldhistory.org/Nebuchadnezzar_II/)'s Throne Room. Several museum around the world are in posession of these polychrome lions.

#### Editorial Review

This human-authored image has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/).

## Cite This Work

### APA
oversnap. (2012, April 26). Lion of Babylon \[Detail\]. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/293/lion-of-babylon-detail/>
### Chicago
oversnap. "Lion of Babylon \[Detail\]." *World History Encyclopedia*, April 26, 2012. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/293/lion-of-babylon-detail/>.
### MLA
oversnap. "Lion of Babylon \[Detail\]." *World History Encyclopedia*, 26 Apr 2012, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/293/lion-of-babylon-detail/>.

## License & Copyright

Original image by **oversnap**. Submitted by [Jan van der Crabben](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/jvdc/ "User Page: Jan van der Crabben"), published on 26 April 2012. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Copyright](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copyright). You cannot use, copy, distribute, or modify this item without explicit permission from the author. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.