22-08-2026, 03:22 PM
Kircher viewed Babylon as the ultimate symbol of godlessness, pride, and moral decay. Within the Baroque context of Catholic thought, Babylon represented for him not merely a historical city, but a universal archetype of human rebellion against God. The images depict the Tower of Babel, the Hanging Gardens of Semiramis, and a temple dedicated to a pagan god. See the illustration from his book.
for example:

