Wedding Photographer, Colorado Springs, Denver and Colorado

The Historical City of Babylon

While I was deployed with Combat Camera Pacific to cover “Operation Iraqi Freedom III” in 2005, a very unique opportunity presented itself on two occasions to visit the ancient ruins of Babylon City. The historic site is located about 50 miles South of Baghdad and just off of the Euphrates River near the city of Al Hillah, in the Babil province of Iraq. The first time I went was in March of 2005 on a perfect day to take some great pictures. The next trip unexpectedly happened in July, just after a major dust storm and with a sweltering heat index close to 140 degrees. In spite of the intense conditions… just walking on such a historic sight was simply amazing! Thanks to some of the local tour guides, I was able to take pictures of “The Lion of Babylon”, the Ishtar Gate, the Street of Processions and all the intricate details of the ancient structures (and many sections that have been rebuilt). There even was the opportunity to photograph the Southern Palace of Saddam Hussein that overlooked this amazing place. I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to experience something so incredible during a volatile time in this part of the world… and be able to share it with others.

Babil, Iraq (March 21, 2005) – Members of 155 Brigade Combat Team (BCT) are given a tour of the historical city of Babylon as gesture of goodwill by the Iraqi people. These periodic tours of the ancient ruins are given to service members to learn more about Iraq’s history and help boost moral. U.S. Military Reserve and Active Duty personnel are forward deployed to central Iraq in support of OIF III.
This 180-degree panorama was assembled from 13 separate digital images to create one photo illustration.
U.S. Navy photo illustration by Chief Photographer’s Mate Edward G. Martens (RELEASED)

Babil, Iraq (March 21, 2005) – Members of 155 Brigade Combat Team (BCT) are given a tour of the historical city of Babylon as gesture of goodwill by the Iraqi people. These periodic tours of the ancient ruins are given to service members to learn more about Iraq’s history and help boost moral. U.S. Military Reserve and Active Duty personnel are forward deployed to central Iraq in support of OIF III.
U.S. Navy photo by Chief Photographer’s Mate Edward Martens (RELEASED)

Babil, Iraq (March 21, 2005) – Members of 155 Brigade Combat Team (BCT) are given a tour of the historical city of Babylon as gesture of goodwill by the Iraqi people. These periodic tours of the ancient ruins are given to service members to learn more about Iraq’s history and help boost moral. U.S. Military Reserve and Active Duty personnel are forward deployed to central Iraq in support of OIF III.
U.S. Navy photo by Chief Photographer’s Mate Edward Martens (RELEASED)

Babil, Iraq (March 21, 2005) – Members of 155 Brigade Combat Team (BCT) are given a tour of the historical city of Babylon as gesture of goodwill by the Iraqi people. These periodic tours of the ancient ruins are given to service members to learn more about Iraq’s history and help boost moral. U.S. Military Reserve and Active Duty personnel are forward deployed to central Iraq in support of OIF III.
U.S. Navy photo by Chief Photographer’s Mate Edward Martens (RELEASED)

Babil, Iraq (March 21, 2005) – Members of 155 Brigade Combat Team (BCT) are given a tour of the historical city of Babylon as gesture of goodwill by the Iraqi people. These periodic tours of the ancient ruins are given to service members to learn more about Iraq’s history and help boost moral. U.S. Military Reserve and Active Duty personnel are forward deployed to central Iraq in support of OIF III.
U.S. Navy photo by Chief Photographer’s Mate Edward Martens (RELEASED)

Babil, Iraq (March 21, 2005) – Members of 155 Brigade Combat Team (BCT) are given a tour of the historical city of Babylon as gesture of goodwill by the Iraqi people. These periodic tours of the ancient ruins are given to service members to learn more about Iraq’s history and help boost moral. U.S. Military Reserve and Active Duty personnel are forward deployed to central Iraq in support of OIF III.
U.S. Navy photo by Chief Photographer’s Mate Edward Martens (RELEASED)

Babil, Iraq (March 21, 2005) – Members of 155 Brigade Combat Team (BCT) are given a tour of the historical city of Babylon as gesture of goodwill by the Iraqi people. These periodic tours of the ancient ruins are given to service members to learn more about Iraq’s history and help boost moral. U.S. Military Reserve and Active Duty personnel are forward deployed to central Iraq in support of OIF III.
U.S. Navy photo by Chief Photographer’s Mate Edward Martens (RELEASED)

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