This courtyard work is modeled after the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. The Hanging Gardens were built in the reign of Nebuchadnezzer in about 570 BC. along with numerous other impressive works, after successful military campaigns against Egypt, Israel, the Phoenicians, and Syria. Captives from these campaigns provided cheap labor for these works that glorified the capital of the empire. The Gardens were built by Nebuchadnezzer for his wife Amyitis. She was the princess of the nearby kingdom of Media, given in marriage to Nebuchadnezzer to cement allegiance with that powerful kingdom. The entire gardens were so impressive and their fame spread across many continents. Kings, Rulers and other dignitaries from foreign lands came to marvel at the gardens . . . . . .