Ancient Babylon’s bricks finding their way into modern buildings

BAGHDAD — Every now and then Iraqis are surprised to find out that some of the new buildings in the city of Hillah, south of Baghdad, are still being built with antique bricks stolen over the past century from the ancient city of Babylon.

• Al Monitor
• Wassim Bassem

Mohammed al-Hilli, a 75-year-old stonemason from Hillah, told Al-Monitor, “We often find authentic Babylonian brick while demolishing dilapidated houses.”

He explained, “During the 1950s, it…

• Ancient Babylon’s bricks finding their…