Chapter 8 -- Babylon's resurrection

Abstract

The archaeological remains from Babylon were transported to Berlin and displayed in a monumental exhibit there. In describing the process of building the exhibit, the chapter touches on the responsibilities of archaeological and museum experts concerning preservation and custodianship of the past. The Saddam-era conservation program in Babylon forms a counterpoint to the Berlin exhibit and leads to a discussion of the ideological profile of any cultural representation. In a final section, a consideration of how we represent knowledge about—and remains from—the past, in culture, popular culture, museums, and scholarship demonstrates that Babylon has a vital and strong presence in the 20th and 21st centuries.