Show HANGING GARDENS OF BABYLON long ago one of the wonders of the world fhe hanging gardens of babylon were anciently reckoned one of the wonders of the world their construe tion Is variously ascribed to queen semiramis and to azzar there were five of these gardens each with an area ot of nearly four acres they rose in terraces supported by masonry arches to a height of sev enty five feet they were irrigated from a reservoir built at the top to which water was lifted from the eu by a screw fountains and throughout the numerous terraces groves and avenues of trees as well as parterres of flowers diversified the scene whilst the view of the city and neighborhood were extensive and beautiful at what time the gardens were destroyed Is a matter of doubt but pliny says that in his day the scene was one ot of desolation modern explorers have discovered traces of the gardens |