THE SOUND OF SCIENCE: Das Ischtar-Tor von Babylon

The tenth episode of BEHIND THE THINGS shines a spotlight on the Ishtar Gate and the processional route of Babylon.

From Barbara Helwing, director of the Near Eastern Museum, you will learn everything about the history and future of the impressive building ensemble and take a look behind the scenes. The ancient orientalist Ingo Schrakamp explains how humanity's first documented writing emerged from counting stones and why at the same time the arranging of knowledge in list form began its triumphant march that lasted thousands of years. The ancient orientalist Eva Cancik-Kirschbaum takes up this to show us why the Ishtar Gate can also be viewed as a list of knowledge, thanks to which comprehensive bodies of knowledge are condensed in this building.

On the occasion of the premiere of this new episode, you can linger in front of the gate at the listening event “THE SOUND OF SCIENCE: The Ishtar Gate of Babylon” with the podcast in your ears, take in the impressive structure, pet the dangerous snake dragon and walk through it Stroll along the processional street – face to face with the fearsome lions.

On Monday, October 16, 2023, the Vorderasian Museum will open its doors exclusively for us from 6 p.m. Due to the great interest, the event will be extended until 10 p.m. The first entry takes place between 6:00 p.m. and 6:40 p.m., the second entry takes place between 8:00 p.m. and 8:40 p.m. Please note that there is no entry between 6:40 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.

The number of tickets is limited - participation only after registration. The event is fully booked. Admission is free. Audio guides and headphones are provided on site.

From October 17th, the podcast episode will be available free of charge on the museum's audio guides and on all common podcast platforms.

“The Ishtar Gate of Babylon” is the tenth episode of the science podcast Behind Things. 5000 years of history of knowledge to take with you and listen to, which is published by the special research center “Episteme in Motion” at the Free University of Berlin.

The podcast is created in cooperation with the Berlin State Museums. Deutschlandfunk Kultur is a media partner.

(Program in German)