Two fragmentary Neo-Babylonian clay foundation bricks of Nebuchadnezzar II

Two fragmentary Neo-Babylonian clay foundation bricks of Nebuchadnezzar II
Circa 604-562 B.C.
Each with part of the standard inscription, 12.5cm x 8cm and 11cm x 7.2cm; together with a large fragmentary Old Babylonian cuneiform clay tablet, finely inscribed, circa 2nd Millennium B.C., 10.5cm x 8.5cm (3)

Provenance:
Collection of the renowned Iraqi architect Said Ali Madhloom (1921-2017), brought to the UK in 1981; and thence by descent to the current owners.

Such Nebuchadnezzar II bricks have been found throughout Babylonia, however most come from the stepped temple tower in Babylon itself. It is probably this temple that is referred to in the Book of Genesis XI, 1-11, as 'the Tower of Babel'.