In pictures: Ancient and modern Babylon

Ruins of Nebuchadnezzar II's northern palace in Babylon, Iraq (Photo by Andrew North)

Nebuchadnezzar II ruled Babylon from 604-561 BC, building palaces and the famed hanging gardens.

New walls at Babylon, Iraq (Photo by Andrew North)

More recently, former ruler Saddam Hussein sought to leave his mark on the site, building walls and ramparts on top of ancient ruins.

Palace built by Saddam Hussein at Babylon, Iraq (Photo by Andrew North)

He also built a huge palace that looks down on the site.

Lion of Babylon, Iraq (Photo by Andrew North)

A statue of a lion killing a man has been raised on a plinth.

Helicopter landing pad at Babylon, Iraq (Photo by Andrew North)

The site's manager says the US military damaged the ruins by building a concrete helicopter pad.

US sandbags at Babylon, Iraq (Photo by Andrew North)

US and Polish soldiers also used soil from the site to fill sandbags.

US helicopters over Babylon, Iraq (Photo by Andrew North)

Now US troops mostly just fly over, having handed the site back to the Iraqis three years ago. (All photos by the BBC's Andrew North)