What are the legends about the "Hanging Gardens of Babylon"?

According to legend, in the 6th century BC, Nebuchadnezzar II married a beloved concubine named Semiramis. She was born and raised in Media (now the western part of the Iranian Plateau). The mountains there are undulating, which is very different from the flat plains of Babylonia.

Every time this princess from a foreign country thinks of the beautiful mountains and rivers of her homeland, she can't help but lower her head and shed tears, frowning. The king couldn't bear to see his beloved princess depressed, so he finally guessed her thoughts after much trouble.

So, the king ordered a stepped garden to be built in the northwest corner of the Babylon Palace, modeled on the princess's hometown. This is their fortress of love and the "sky garden" that has been passed down to this day.

Extended information:

The sky garden has a total circumference of more than 500 meters. It adopts three-dimensional gardening method and is built on a high platform. The rockery is stacked layer by layer with stone pillars and slabs, reaching up to the sky. From a distance, the garden looks like it is in the sky. The rockery is divided into three layers: upper, middle and lower. Each layer is supported by large stone pillars and covered with pavilions.

In order to prevent water seepage, each layer is laid with a wicker mat soaked in asphalt, and then two layers of bricks are laid on the mat. A layer of lead is also poured, and then fertile soil is cultivated on top, and many plants from foreign countries are planted. There are exotic flowers and plants, and there are water sources and water pipes for irrigation.

There are two types of city walls, made of mud bricks or bricks, with towers in between. The widest part of the outer wall is 7.1 meters. The main entrance of the city is the Ishtar Gate, which is 12 meters high and double. It was built dedicated to the goddess Ishtar. Entering the main entrance is the parade street running from north to south. The streets are paved with stones or bricks. The Ishtar Gate and both sides of the street are decorated with glazed animal reliefs, with animals arranged horizontally.

Baidu Encyclopedia—Sky Garden