The Ishtar Gate
Babylon’s dominion would come to an end. The Persians, led by Cyrus, likely entered Babylon through the gate of Ishtar, the most prominent gate, which Nebuchadnezzar built and dedicated to the goddess Ishtar. It was one of the eight gates of the inner city of Babylon constructed around 575 BCE on the north side of the city. The gateway was completely covered with beautifully glazed bricks of glorious blue surrounded by brightly colored yellow and brown beasts.
Ishtar Gate drawing
University of Chicago Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures
A View of Babylon, Maurice Bardin, 1936
Overview
The Ishtar Gate was the eighth gate to the inner city of Babylon. It was constructed in about 575 BCE by order of King Nebuchadnezzar II on the north side of the city.