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Iraq / Mesopotamia: Tower of Babel by Bruegel the Younger, 17th century
Filename: 4377834.jpg
Size: 4800 x 3693 (12.6MB)
Date: 9th June 2015
Source: Universal Images Group (UIG)
Credit: Pictures From History
Job Title: Editor
© Supplier: CPA Media Co. Ltd
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Universal Images Group (UIG)
Iraq / Mesopotamia: Tower of Babel by Bruegel the Younger, 17th century
The Tower of Babel, according to the Book of Genesis, was an enormous tower built in the plain of Shinar. According to the biblical account, a united humanity of the generations following the Great Flood, speaking a single language and migrating from the east, came to the land of Shinar, where they resolved to build a city with a tower with its top in the heavens..lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the Earth'. God came down to see what they did and said: They are one people and have one language, and nothing will be withholden from them which they purpose to do'. So God said, Come, let us go down and confound their speech'. And so God scattered them upon the face of the Earth, and confused their languages, and they left off building the city, which was called Babel because God there confounded the language of all the Earth'.(Genesis 11:5-8). The Tower of Babel has often been associated with known structures, notably the Etemenanki, a ziggurat dedicated to Marduk by Nabopolassar (c. 610 BC). The Great Ziggurat of Babylon base was square (not round), 91 metres (300 ft) in height, but demolished by Alexander the Great. A Sumerian story with some similar elements is preserved in Enmerkar and the Lord of Aratta
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Media ID 32427458
© Supplier: CPA Media Co. Ltd
Antiquity Asian Christian Genesis Iraq Iraqi Islam Jewish Judaism Muslim Mythology Old Testament Paintings Ziggurat
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the iconic Tower of Babel, as depicted by Bruegel the Younger in the 17th century. According to the Book of Genesis, this towering structure was constructed on the plains of Shinar by a united humanity speaking a single language. Their ambitious goal was to build a city with a tower that reached up to the heavens, fearing dispersion across the Earth. In response to their audacious endeavor, God descended from above and observed their progress. Recognizing their unity and determination, He decided to intervene by confounding their speech. As a result, mankind's languages were scrambled and they were scattered far and wide. This event led to the abandonment of their grand project, hence giving rise to its name - Babel. The Tower of Babel has been linked with various historical structures throughout time, including Babylon's Etemenanki ziggurat dedicated to Marduk during Nabopolassar's reign. Though not identical in shape or size (unlike Alexander the Great who demolished it), these structures share similarities with Bruegel's depiction. This mesmerizing image invites us into an ancient world filled with ambition and divine intervention. It serves as a reminder of humanity's ceaseless pursuit for greatness while also highlighting our vulnerability when faced with forces beyond our control. The Tower of Babel continues to captivate audiences today as both an architectural marvel and symbolically rich tale passed down through generations.
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