In a remarkable achievement, LMU’s Enrique Jiménez has collaborated with the University of Baghdad to rediscover a long-lost text, a hymn dedicated to ancient Babylon. Published in the journal Iraq, Jiménez describes the hymn as a captivating portrayal of Babylon’s grandeur and the lives of its residents. Founded around 2000 BC in Mesopotamia, Babylon once held the title of the largest city worldwide and was a center for cultural and literary development.

The rediscovered hymn is part of ongoing efforts to decipher Babylonian cuneiform inscriptions found on clay tablets, many of which are fragmented. The collaboration aims to preserve these texts, particularly those from the fabled Sippar Library, which is steeped in legend regarding its connection to Noah and the Great Flood. Jiménez has been leading the digitization of cuneiform fragments through the Electronic Babylonian Library Platform.

Utilizing artificial intelligence, his team managed to connect 30 additional manuscripts to the hymn, expediting a process that would have otherwise taken years. This extensive collection bolstered their understanding and allowed for the complete deciphering of the hymn, despite some sections initially being missing. The hymn, which likely dates back to the early first millennium BC, incorporates 250 lines.

It celebrates the beauty and vitality of Babylon, portraying its buildings and the nourishing waters of the Euphrates. Interestingly, the text also reveals details about the roles of women, particularly priestesses, in Babylonian society. Additionally, it highlights the respectful attitudes of Babylon’s citizens toward foreigners.

The ruins of Babylon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lie approximately 85 kilometers south of Baghdad. The historical significance of this rediscovered hymn offers valuable insights into the societal norms and natural splendor of an ancient urban civilization.