Temple complex in ancient Babylon dedicated to Marduk .
The huge edifice was 660 ft (202 m) long, with three vast courtyards surrounded by many chambers. It took centuries to construct; most of the work being done in the 6th century BC during the reign of Nebuchadnezzar II . Its wealth was famous in antiquity, but by the time Babylon was excavated in 1899–1917 it had been thoroughly plundered.