1. Journal Entry #1<br />Hello. My name is Breanna Farris. I’m a scholar interested in learning about Ancient Babylonia so I’ve decided to literally go back in time and take part in their culture. In this journal I will be keeping track of my time traveling, significant things that have happened during my stay, and encounters with other people. Here is where my adventure begins:<br />It’s hot. That’s the first thing I thought of when I awoke this morning. I found myself in a small sized house, in an uncomfortable raggedy robe. A middle-class family has taken me in. Although I’m not great at understanding their language, I pieced together bits of their conversation and overheard them arguing about me. The father, Dadanum, was unsure about letting me stay in their house, but the mother, Amata, thinks I am a sign from the gods. At this moment I am just praying they will allow me to stay, otherwise I will have nowhere else to go. Oh, I think they know I’m awake. I’ll be writing later.<br />Amata introduced me to their only son today, although he did not say much. It was still enlightening. This family seems to be very welcoming, but Amata warned me about the rest of the residents. She says she will not allow me to go out in public without her because they will treat me very wrong, since I’m not a born Babylonian. I trust her instincts, therefore I will respect them. Well, first day was not remarkable, but it was still spectacular. I think I should go now; Amata wants to show me around the house and let me know what chores I will need to be doing if I decide to stay here. I’ll be writing later!<br />JOURNAL # 2<br />I convinced Amata to take me out to the center of Babylon to simply show me around. Honestly I felt very intimidated, not knowing much of the language and all, but I am very thankful I had Amata with me. The architecture in town is so beautiful & detailed. I almost ran over a little one a couple of times, because I couldn’t stop staring at the beauty of the city. Many women had their faces covered with a sheer cloth, and many of them were weaving things with big designs on them. One caught my eye that had been finished earlier this morning that had a design with a huge lion that had been weaved on the front of it. Amata must have seen me staring at it, because she suddenly exchanged the weaving for silver and handed it to me. A huge smile grew across my face. It was great. <br />I must now get some rest, but I will be writing later.<br />Journal Entry #3:<br />I’m back in Babylon, and the empire is now being run by Samsuiluna, now that Hammurabi has recently passed away. Not much has changed yet, but we are all expecting something drastic. Dadanum has allowed me to come back & live in their house as a guest once again.<br />“You may come and go as you please, lovely Breanna, but if I may ask, why exactly do you go?” asked Dadanum. I didn’t know how to answer this question. I felt guilty for lying, but was what I had to do.<br />“Exploring is what I live to do. I travel from city to city, and enjoy every minute of it. And yet, I come back to Babylon. I must thank you again for everything. You all have given me so much, and that is why I have returned.” <br />A strange thing has happened in Babylon that has everyone wondering. Recently, the course of the Euphrates River has shifted unexpectedly, and no one knows why. There is talk it is just the weather, and then there is talk that it is the gods. If it is the gods, the message is not so clear to me. What could this possibly mean? Nothing has been said about the shift in this house until this night, when Dadanum said something as supper was being served. He asked if Amata and I were worried. He is scared that it is not such a good sign, but only time will tell, I suppose. I now cannot sleep because many thoughts in my head keep me awake, although I must because Amata has promised me to take me to the city’s wall tomorrow, where a huge parade will be held. I can hardly wait!<br />Journal entry number 4<br />The shining sun crawled across my skin as I opened my eyes this morning. Although I didn’t much sleep last night, this morning definitely paid off. Today I will be walking to the city to see a big parade. I haven’t felt so anxious for something in a long time. <br />The parade was full of bright colors, and the smiles of little kids. I received a couple of dirty looks, but I brushed it off. The city’s wall is covered in vibrant tiles and most of them in the arrangement of a lion. I asked Amata why the Babylonian’s were so fond of the lion. She basically told me it represented strength and courage, and that is what the Babylonian’s were supposed to be. It was upsetting, though, that Dadanum & his son were not able to come. They went to the market to trade silver for fresh fish. I was able to sneak a couple of silver coins, which I will be putting in this journal. For some reason, it’s really special to me. <br />JOURNAL NUMBER 5:<br />Today the Hanging Gardens of Babylon will be revealed. I had never heard of them until this day, so I asked Amata about them. “So, what’s the story behind the Hanging Gardens?” I asked.<br />“Well,” she replied, as a smirk grew across her face. “Supposedly King Nebuchadnezzar II is madly in love with his wife, but she does not feel at home here in Babylon. She comes from a place where the land is green, mountainous, and full of life. The flat land here bored her, and made her very homesick. So the king built the gardens to keep her with him & smiling.”<br />“Sounds like a good love story” I added. Amata laughed, and told me to go get dressed. She wanted me to look my best for the showing of the gardens. I walked down the narrow hallway that led to my room, but before I turned the corner I looked back. I watched as Dadanum snuck up behind Amata & wrapped his arms around her. She let out a squeaky laugh. “Ooh la la.” I said, prancing down the hallway, making sure they noticed me. Amata laughed, and shooed me away with her rag. I ran into my room giggling. Now I am writing this down and thinking how amazing it is that Dadanum treats Amata equally. Does not happen much here in Babylon, men do not show much affection for their wives. You can tell that these two are truly in love. Time to go get dressed; I cannot wait to see the gardens. I’ll write about them soon!<br />Journal Entry Number 6:<br />The Hanging Gardens of Babylon were amazing! I am not sure if I can even describe it. I snuck a gorgeous white flower from a plant that was in the gardens, which I will be placing in this journal. I heard that it is bad luck if a flower of the gardens dies or is picked, but I am hoping that is just crazy talk because I could not resist! When we arrived to the gardens I looked to the family to see their expressions. They seemed delighted. Even though I was dreading the ton of stairs ahead of me, I could not get up them fast enough. The gardens stand on a mound, covered in concrete stairs, and in the middle of it all – a huge building surrounded by pillars. The building had to be at least 400 feet high, and more than two football fields long, as what us modern day people would say. There were fountains and pools on every floor, and not one plant looked unhealthy. <br />To the right of the Hanging Gardens, across the river, was the Tower of Babel. (I study at the University of Modern Times, and we always thought the Tower of Babel was just a legend. I cannot wait to tell them the news!) I stood in astonishment. It literally went to the sky. Other than the gardens, Babylon’s land was flat and did not have much ‘life’. If there was grass, it was barely green, and if there was a flower, it would probably be the only one you would be seeing that day. Alright, I should stop writing now, supper is being served.<br />Journal Entry Number 7:<br />Last time I had supper with the family I dressed in an uncomfortable robe and we all sat at a table fit for four. It sounds like a normal evening but something felt weird about it. Dadanum got into a deep conversation about religion and beliefs, and frankly I had none. I do not believe in any gods or goddesses of any sort, and to Babylonians that is not normal. I barely said anything that whole evening. I was sort of getting homesick, and I wanted to go to the river a little ways behind the house to think. I started daydreaming, until I was interrupted by Dadanum. “And you?” he asked. I had no idea what he was talking about. <br />“I’m sorry?” I replied. “I was lost in thought, I apologize.”<br />“It is rude of me to ask about your beliefs anyways. Are you finished?”<br />I nodded my hand, as Amata got up and grabbed for my plate so she could wash it. I felt bad about not paying attention to them during supper. That is the least I could do for everything they have done for me. Oh well. <br />I went down to the river like I said. I probably was not supposed to, so I was really quiet. Everything was alright, until I spot Dadanum’s son. He knew I was not supposed to be out. I looked at him with regret, and he looked at me with disappointment. I started to walk back until he said “Go, but be careful and be back before the night is black. Mother will soon be checking on you.” <br />“Thank you!” I started to walk, our eyes still locked, but I tripped a bit. He smiled, and continued walking, as my cheeks grew red as a rose. It was embarrassing! But sitting near the river helped a lot, the water on my toes, and I was able to clear my thoughts. It was so serene. Now to get out of this tattered robe!<br />Journal Entry Number 8:<br />The Assyrians had destroyed Babylon. Although the family is alright, I am devastated. We have to leave Babylon, leave everything we have ever known behind us. Dadanum says we should head to the city of Ur, and start over until it is safe to come back to Babylon. He refuses to be ruled by those Assyrians. He says that Babylon is his home and he will not let it be forgotten. <br /> I am trying my hardest to keep everyone in the family thinking on the bright side, though. I keep telling them that everything happens for a reason, and that the god’s are allowing this to happen for a reason. The god’s have a plan for them. They truly believe it, too. <br />I watched them walk in despair. I needed them to know something… “I love you.” I told them. They looked back, and I could have sworn I saw their eyes water. <br />“We love you, too,” Amata said. “so much.”<br />Journal Entry Number 9:<br />Nebuchadnezzar II has captured Jerusalem! We can now go back in peace… well, not all of us. Dadanum has died of old age. I am still grieving a bit. He was a great man. Amata wants to stay strong for Dadanum, so we are going back no matter what. Dadanum’s son has barely said a word since. I suppose I have not either though, I am not sure what to say.<br /> We had not stayed in Ur for as long as we were expecting, but our stay was definitely restless. Although the capturing of Jerusalem was a miracle, I do not quite agree with the captivity of Jews. What is the point? Instead of taking someone else’s home, why can’t we create our own? I find it quite hypocritical. But who I am to talk? I am the one allowing myself to go back. We’ll see how everything goes…<br />Journal Entry Number 10:<br />Today is the last day I will be staying with this family. I can no longer literally say family, since Amata has recently passed, too. Dadanum’s son has been doing well though. I sort of want to stay here with him, but I just can’t. It just is not right; I do not belong in this time. <br />Oh, and the Jews are no longer captive! Cyrus the Great has freed them. There is a lot of controversy about that topic, but it is the better thing to do. I cannot wait to get back home and tell everyone of my journey. It has been so amazing. But before I left I talk to Dadanum’s son.<br />“You know, I never quite got your name.” I said.<br />“Heton.” He replied. “My name is Heton.” I smiled. <br />I said goodbye and thanked Heton for everything him and his family has done. I made sure he knew how grateful I was. I hugged him & I started my journey back to today. I know I will miss them, but I am off to start my own life and make my own history. <br />