A recently discovered hymn to Marduk, the patron deity of Babylon, has been reconstructed after 2,100 years. The hymn, originally 250 lines long, portrays Babylon's beauty, its rivers, and the lifestyle of its inhabitants. With the aid of AI, researchers salvaged fragments from clay tablets found near Sippar, translating a third of the text. The poem emphasizes rich descriptions of the city and its ethics, like respect for foreigners and support for the vulnerable, showcasing the moral values held by the Babylonians.
Like the sea, (Babylon) proffers her yield, like a garden of fruit, she flourishes in her charms, like a wave, her swell brings her bounties rolling in.
The hymn reflects ideals the Babylonians valued, such as respect for foreigners and protection of the vulnerable.
It's meticulously structured, with each section flowing seamlessly into the next.
The hymn gives a unique insight into Babylonian morality, praising priests who do not 'humiliate' foreigners and free prisoners.
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