Course Sample for Our Wonders of the World Homeschool Geography Curriculum

Please note: This course mentions records such as the world’s tallest building, etc. These records are continually being challenged and broken, and we encourage students to explore who holds the records they learn about as of this moment in history.

The Hanging Gardens of Babylon

The Hanging Gardens of Babylon have been a source of mystery for historians. It has been difficult to pinpoint where the gardens were, how they were watered, and even if they truly existed!

It is said that King Nebuchadnezzar built the gardens to help his wife because she missed the beautiful gardens of her homeland, Persia. When Nebuchadnezzar married his wife, she moved away from lush plants, tall mountains, and green trees to an area that was dry, flat, and hot. She was very homesick for her old country, and it was thought that the gardens would cheer her up.

The gardens were impressive for several reasons. First of all, they were up high, and everyone could see them. Even though they are called the “Hanging” Gardens, it is not likely that the plants were actually suspended on cables of ropes. They were probably given that name because they had the impression of hanging since the plants were up on the rooftops overlooking the city.

Another reason that the gardens were so impressive is that it rarely rains in Babylon, making it nearly impossible to keep beautiful plants and trees green and alive. There had to be a way to get water from the Euphrates River high up to the tops of the roofs in order to keep the garden from dying off. Archaeologists think a type of chain pump was used. This was a device that would take the water up to the roof and pour it into an irrigation system for the plants.

The Hanging Gardens of Babylon Activity

Have you ever had a garden of your own? It is really simple to create your own small garden with an egg carton and a few other materials. Give it a try!

Materials: Egg carton (I like the ones made from recycled cardboard the best), potting soil, seeds (pansies and marigolds are good choices), and water.

Directions:
Cut the top of the egg carton off and throw it away.
Carefully spoon soil into each of the egg cups in the other piece of the carton (enough to fill each space).
Bury a couple of seeds right in the middle of each egg cup.
Place the carton in a sunny window.
Water the soil.

In no time at all you will have your very own beautiful garden!