B for Babylon

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Description

A young Iraqi woman visits the Louvre to gather information on Babylonian artifacts, and through discussions with experts a picture emerges of a vibrant civilization and the kings and scribes, families and businesspeople, who composed it. This program focuses on some cultural highlights of the ancient empire, including its 24-volume encyclopedia, nuanced legal code, and influential body of literature. Babylon's image as both biblical "cursed city" and "exotic Orient" of Western imagination is also presented, along with details of the city's excavation during archaeology's infancy. Viewers witness the mixed reactions of modern Iraqis to the Ishtar Gate's display in Berlin, learn of threats to antiquities, and glimpse remains of the Tower of Babel on Google Earth.