Final answer:
The Ishtar Gate, built in Babylon around 575 BCE, exhibited the wealth and power of the Babylonian empire with its glazed lapis lazuli bricks and reliefs of sacred deities. It served as a procession way for the emperor and a testament to Nebuchadnezzar II's legacy, with remnants displayed in the Pergamon Museum in Berlin.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Ishtar Gate was erected in the ancient city of Babylon around 575 BCE. Its purpose was to serve as a ceremonial gateway to the inner city and to exhibit the splendor and power of the Babylonian empire.
The magnificent gate was adorned with lapis lazuli glazed bricks, promoting a jewel-like shine, and was further enhanced by a relief procession of lions, aurochs, and dragons, which symbolized the deities Ishtar, Adad, and Marduk respectively. Additionally, the gate featured painted floral motifs and was part of a grand processional way, paving the path for the emperor's walkway through the city.
Nebuchadnezzar II proclaimed his role in adorning these structures to inspire awe among all who witnessed them. After centuries, the remnants of the Ishtar Gate now reside in the Pergamon Museum in Berlin, showcasing the architectural grandeur of the Neo-Babylonian empire.