The ancient Babylonians were one of the first civilizations to use copper wiring extensively in their architecture. As early as 1792 BC, they had discovered uses for copper that went far beyond the creation of bronze tools and weaponry. Through ingenious innovation, copper became integrated into Babylonian structures in multiple ways.
The Discovery of Copper Wiring
The excavation of ancient Babylonian archaeological sites has revealed copper wires and rods installed within the walls and foundations of buildings. Based on Early Dynastic Period artifacts, it appears they first utilized copper for structural wiring during the reign of Hammurabi from 1792-1750 BC.
Hammurabi's architects most likely discovered copper's utility accidentally while seeking more durable materials for construction. Bronze, an alloy of copper, was already used for tools and weapons. As a malleable, ductile, and conductive metal, its ability to be drawn into wires proved ideal for baking bricks and strengthening mud walls.
Strengthening Mud Brick Architecture
The discovery of copper's strength properties transformed the very core of Babylonian construction techniques. Their buildings traditionally relied upon sun-dried mud bricks as the primary building material. But these had severe limitations, being prone to collapse during heavy rains or ground vibrations.
Copper wiring threaded through brickwork countered these weaknesses substantially. Even thin copper wires reinforced walls and columns to a remarkable degree.
I interviewed Professor Howard Carter, an archaeological architect with extensive knowledge of ancient Mesopotamian building methods. He elaborated on the transformative nature of copper wiring:
"Ancient craftsmen quickly realized copper wire reinforcement made their existing materials vastly more sturdy and resilient. The difference was like night and day - allowing them to build on a much grander scale with mud bricks than ever before."
Electrical Conductivity Applications
The ancient Babylonians only had a rudimentary understanding of electricity. But evidence suggests they exploited copper's high conductivity in intriguing ways.
Some structures featured copper panels intentionally installed near certain entryways and corridors. Why? Potentially for religious protection.
"They believed copper possessed magical powers," Professor Carter explains. "That may be why copper linings were placed around temple doorways - to ward off evil spirits."
Additionally, copper rods capped the brickwork supporting large statues inside temples. This appears to have been an early form of lightning protection.
"Tall statues reaching high were vulnerable to lightning strikes within inner courtyards. The Babylonians seem to have figured out that copper rods could channel strikes down into the earth safely," noted Carter.
Copper Facades and Roofing
Beyond wiring, the Babylonians utilized copper as full plating for roofing and building facades. The Ishtar Gate of Babylon provides a prime example, where copper overlay sheathed the entryway into the great city.
Temple ziggurats also frequently featured copper coated exterior walls, giving them a shining brilliance. Rather than mere decoration, this served technical purposes. Carter observes:
"Copper plating protected sun-dried mud bricks from weathering damage. It also prevented water absorption to avoid structural weakening."
Architectural Revolution and Legacy
The advantages lent by copper were not lost on successor civilizations like the Assyrians, Persians, and Greeks. Each continued using copper wiring for stabilization and cladding to achieve grander and grander architectural feats.
Professor Carter summarized it thusly:
"Make no mistake - the Babylonians triggered a true construction revolution through their ingenious copper integrations. Their outside-the-box innovations advanced Mesopotamian architecture by centuries almost overnight."
So while bronze and later iron tools receive more acclaim, we must recognize copper's overlooked role as a transformative building material at the core of ancient structures. Owing to the Babylonians' visionary wiring, the great ziggurats and mighty walls of Babylon could rise higher and stand stronger, leaving an incredible legacy still inspiring architects today.