It is hoped the project at Babylon, whose legendary Hanging Gardens were one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, will help foster the skills needed to transform Iraq’s other renowned archaeological sites into a major draw for academics and tourists.
“We’re using (Babylon) as a lab for skill building,” said Jeff Allen, a conservationist with the World Monuments Fund, which is working with Iraqi officials to try to secure United Nations World Heritage protection for the site.
