Arabian Adventures in Babylon

The War in Iraq which began March 21 2003, offered unprecedented travel opportunities.   In what is now known as Al Hillah Iraq are the ruins of the fabled ancient Babylon.  As the seat of Kings throughout history and a site of great historical pride to the Iraqi people, Hillah became the headquarters for Marine and Coalition forces in the post-combat phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom.  With Sadaam Hussein on the run, his palaces and strongholds made ideal bases of operations for Coalition Generals.  The opulence of his palaces, their soundness of structure, electricity and fortified nature made them ideal locales from which to conduct war and were symbolic of American power in the region.  For many Marines and other servicemen of the Coalition, they offered picturesque respite from the austere Iraqi desert and the rigors of combat.  Aside from Baghdad, Babylon was the most popular destination for the war-zone-traveler, known for its outstanding chow hall, swimming pool, palace, proximity to the Euphrates River and of course the Ancient Ruins of Babylon.  A highly educated, middle-aged Iraqi woman named Mona was our guide.  Fluent in German and English as well as Arabic, she had worked on the site for 15 years leading tours.  Come along for a quick web tour of Ancient Babylon.