Its name owes to the housing of the famous Pergamon Altar in the main hall. This museum is separated into three independent collections including those of the Greeks & Romans, the museum of Near Eastern Antiquities and the Museum of Islamic Art, results of German extensive archaeological expeditions during the 19th and the early 20th century.
It was quite amazing how could works of such immense scale could travel so long a distance and rest finally here in Berlin. In particular, the Ishstar Gate from Babylon really was an exhibit that one must not miss.
Babylon, a city which once stood in the present day Iraq, was considered one of the most important civilization in ancient history. The hanging garden of Babylon is still being regarded as one of the Seven wonder of the world.
But another piece of history which is probably even more well known was the Tower of Babel - man's attempt in equalling the power of God. while not trying to get too religious here, the reaching of the heavens, or the playing the role of God are not something that is too unfamiliar to us in present days. With advancement in genetics, nanotechnology, robotics, cloning...aren't we, in a unified sort of way, trying to create the Tower of Babel in a way?
Just one side note: for an exhibit as important as this, the exhibition hall was surprisingly bare, and lack proper consideration in bringing out the essence of the Ishtar Gate. I was thinking, if only I could be the designer for the hall, can i do it with greater effect?
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