The Neo-Babylonian Empire was a period in Mesopotamian history lasting from 626 to 539 BCE. It began when king Nabopolassar rebelled against the Neo-Assyrian Empire. Babylon became once again the cultural and political capital of the ancient Near East. Nabopolassar’s son, King Nebuchadnezzar II (r. 605 BCE–562 BCE) adorned the city with splendid palaces and temples. The Ishtar Gate, located at the main entrance into Babylon, was built ca. 575 BCE and decorated with glazed brick reliefs depicting lions, aurochs and mushhushshu. The Neo-Babylonian period came to an end when Babylon was conquered by Cyrus II of Persia and incorporated into the Achaemenid Empire. Web resources here, here and here.

Reconstruction of the Ishtar Gate from Babylon. Glazed brick. Ca. 569 BCE. Museum  of the Ancient Near East, State Museums of Berlin. Photo: Olaf M. Teßmer.