Fornix Babylonica
| The Fornix Babylonica was written in the second century AD by Hiram, a Roman scholar of Jewish descent. He was part of the entourage of emperor Septimus Severus when he entered the city of Babylon. Although almost completely abandoned by this time, Hiram decided to stay in the ancient city, and this book is an account of his life there. |
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The book was written in Latin and has now been translated. It is not the purpose of this web site to present the original Latin text or the translation, merely a synopsis of each chapter. Chapter 1: A brief account of the life of Hiram before he came to Babylon. His studies and service at the court of the emperor. Chapter 2: Hiram wanders the abandoned city and eventually finds a dwelling to his liking. Chapter 3: He consults the astrologers of the temple of Bel. Chapter 4: He meets some of the women of the city. Chapter 5: He searches for the Hanging Gardens and the Ishtar Gate. Chapter 6: He helps some of the citizens. Chapter 7: His later years in Babylon. |
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| a representation of the tomb- stone of Hiram found in Babylon |