The structure and symbolism of the Ishtar Gate (Fig. 2.18)
What will be an ideal response?
From this "Closer Look" segment (MyArtsLab) one can see that the structure encodes important information about the first king of Babylonia, Nebuchadnezzar's, monarchy. Ishtar is a Babylonian goddess of war whose symbol was the lion. The gate is made of glazed brick; each brick was glazed and fired separately which made it a very expensive project. Besides the lion (for Ishtar), decorative elements include the bull (symbol of the storm god Adad) and the dragon (symbolized Moduk, the patron god of Babylon). Nebuchadnezzar claimed he was "appointed by the will of Moduk" which gave divine sanction for his rule.
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