Modern Cities, Ancient Paths In Plain Sight

As I wandered through the British Museum, surrounded by the remnants of ancient empires. When we think of these ancient powers, names like Rome, Greece, Persia, Babylon, and Assyria come to mind. Among them, Assyria is the oldest, and I was particularly struck by the records and artifacts from this empire. The Assyrians were known for their brutal rule, and the evidence of their cruelty is almost overwhelming. Today, the Assyrian Empire has all but vanished, its glory and fearsome reputation reduced to museum displays. It's surprising how many people may not even be aware that it once existed. On the other hand, most people have at least heard of Babylon. But in the museum, I learned that unlike the Assyrians, the Babylonians didn’t keep meticulous records. This makes it harder to imagine what life under Babylonian rule was truly like. Yet, unlike Assyria, Babylon doesn’t need records to leave a lasting impression—we see Babylon’s influence all around us, even today.

The Monument obelisk, tallest structure in DC

Last year, I had the chance to visit the Washington Monument in D.C. Standing at the top, looking out in all directions—north (White House), south (Jefferson Memorial), east (US Capitol), and west (Lincoln Memorial) —I couldn’t help but think of how the layout of Washington, D.C., resembles ancient Babylon in some ways. The area that houses all the monuments, memorials, and museums is known as the National Mall. It’s this vast, open space that stretches from the Capitol Building to the Lincoln Memorial, dotted with iconic landmarks like the Washington Monument, the Jefferson Memorial, and the various Smithsonian museums.

The Lincoln Memorial, modeled after a Greek temple, the Parthenon in Athens.

The Capitol Building, with its grand dome and Corinthian columns, embodies Neoclassical architecture with a temple-like design.

As I looked down, a thought flashed through my mind:: the way these monuments and structures are arranged feels oddly similar to the grand design of ancient Babylon. The Ishtar Gate, leading into the city along the Processional Way, was a sacred path, guiding people through a grand entrance that connected Babylon's worldly realm to its divine center at the Temple of Marduk. In Washington, D.C., the National Mall serves a similar purpose, functioning as a processional space lined with monuments and memorials. The wide streets and the way buildings are lined up in D.C. follow a similar pattern of design and symbolism.

Central Axis Pointing to the Temple

In ancient Babylon, the Temple of Marduk was a symbol of divine authority, standing at the heart of the Ishtar Gate - much like how the Capitol Building symbolizes political power in the U.S. As I stood there, looking in different directions from the top of the Monument, I realized that just as the Temple of Marduk stood at the heart of Babylon’s religious and political life, the Capitol and Lincoln Memorial - designed like temples - stand as symbols of the nation’s ideals and values.

The Ishtar Gate, with its big and fancy design, showed off Babylon’s wealth and power. Similarly, the large monuments in Washington, D.C., show the strength and lasting presence of the nation. The symbols used in both cities—the dragons and lions on the Ishtar Gate, the eagles and obelisks in D.C.—serve a similar purpose, representing important values, authority, and history.

As I took in the view, I couldn't help but wonder: Are we still living in a world shaped by Babylonian ideas? Our cities and roads aren’t just filled with monuments and temples—could their very layout mirror the Ishtar Processional Way, almost as if they’re guiding us along a path? It’s unsettling to think about, but maybe that’s the point—is Babylon’s influence still alive today, shaping how we view authority, culture, and even ourselves?

The Lincoln Memorial conveys strength, endurance, and the democratic ideals that Abraham Lincoln championed.

The Jefferson Memorial inspired by the Pantheon in Rome, reflecting his belief in the ideals of the Enlightenment.

 The use of Corinthian columns refer to Greek architecture, and widely used in temples and public buildings. 

The Smithsonian Castle has elements of Romanesque architecture.

Military conquests can bring temporary control, but ideas, knowledge, and cultural influence can have a lasting impact on the human mind, shaping societies for generations. While physical power fades, the influence on thought and culture can persist indefinitely.