What do the archaeological discoveries tell us?
Today, we may not take the story of the Tower of Babel, as described in the Bible, literally. However, according to a video from the YouTube channel Hochelaga, the construction of a similar structure may indeed have a solid historical basis, as stated by Openculture.
It could be the legendary version of the Etemenanki, a Mesopotamian ziggurat built in honor of the god Marduk. This massive structure was so grand in scale that it inspired mythic narratives, including the legend that its construction required the cooperation of all of humanity. However, this tower truly existed, as evidenced by the ruins found at the archaeological site of ancient Babylon – which was called Babel in Hebrew.
A cuneiform tablet discovered at the site describes a construction project the size of the Etemenanki, which utilized materials such as asphalt and fired bricks—elements that align with the biblical description of the Tower of Babel. Additionally, Herodotus mentions the layout and structure of the tower.
Another significant historical event is the Babylonian invasion of Jerusalem in 587 BCE, which led to the exile of the Jews to the capital. It’s not at all unlikely that some of them had the imposing Etemenanki in mind when they recorded the stories that would eventually appear in the Bible. While they may not have had hope of returning to their homeland, they could at least have been certain that the days of Marduk were numbered.
