1. Babylon

2. Babylonian, about 700-500 BC, probably from Sippar, southern Iraq
A unique ancient map of the Mesopotamian world

3. Stela of Nabonidus Neo-Babylonian dynasty, 555-539 BC Possibly from Babylon, southern Iraq

4. Babylonian, about 900-800 BC from Babylon, southern Iraq
This stela comes from the Temple of Marduk in Babylon. It is a commemorative monument set up in honour of a private individual called Adad-etir. He was an official in the temple and this stela was erected by his son Marduk-balassu-iqbi.

5. Babylonian, about 800-550 BC From Mesopotamia
This clay plaque is probably an image of the ushumgal, the 'snake-dragon' of Sumerian poetry. The ushumgal can be a metaphor for a god or king; and is not necessarily evil or unpleasant.The snake-dragon has horns, the body and neck of a snake, the forelegs of a lion, and the hind legs of a bird. It is represented in art from 2300 BC to the last centuries BC as a symbol of various gods or as a magically protective hybrid.

6. Old Babylonian, about 19th century BC From Mesopotamia
The design on this lapis lazuli seal shows the owner of the seal being brought into the presence of a king by a goddess known as a lamma.

7. Find out more about ancient Babylon
Visit the main Museum website