Esagila, Temple complex in Babylon, Iraq
Esagila was a temple complex in Babylon, Iraq, dedicated to the city god Marduk and serving as the religious center of the Mesopotamian empire. The site featured multiple courtyards surrounded by chapels and chambers that housed sacred objects
The temple was rebuilt many times over centuries, with the most important expansion taking place under King Nebuchadnezzar II in the 6th century BC. The Persians under Xerxes destroyed the site later, and Alexander the Great began restoration work that remained unfinished after his death
The name comes from Sumerian and means
The site lies within the archaeological area of Babylon, around 85 km (53 miles) south of Baghdad, and can be reached on day trips. High groundwater levels make preservation of mud brick remains difficult, so many structures appear heavily eroded
A sacred pool called Abzu lay within the complex and symbolized the connection to Enki, the god of fresh water and father of Marduk. The water in this basin was considered a source of divine purity and played an important role in religious ceremonies
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