1/5Neo-BabyloniaThe Neo-Babylonian Empire developed an artistic style motivated bytheir ancient Mesopotamian heritage.Learning ObjectivesDescribe the artistic and architectural accomplishments of KingNebuchadnezzar II, including the city of BabylonKey TakeawaysKey PointsThe Neo-Babylonian Empire was a civilization in Mesopotamiabetween 626 BCE and 539 BCE. During the preceding threecenturies, Babylonia had been ruled by the Akkadians andAssyrians, but threw o± the yoke of external domination after thedeath of the last strong Assyrian ruler.Neo-Babylonian art and architecture reached its zenith under KingNebuchadnezzar II, who ruled from 604–562 BC. He was a greatpatron of art and urban development and rebuilt the city ofBabylon to re²ect its ancient glory.Most of the evidence for Neo-Babylonian art and architecture isliterary. Of the material evidence that survives, the mostimportant fragments are from the Ishtar Gate of Babylon.Neo-Babylonians were known for their colorful glazed bricks,which they shaped into bas-reliefs of dragons, lions, and aurochsto decorate the Ishtar Gate.Key TermsUnknown dateUnknown authorNeo-Babylonia
