Alexander inspecting the Ruins of Esagila. On his capture of Babylon in 331 BC Alexander; according to tradition; wished to restore Esagila; the temple of Marduk; which had been allowed to fall into decay since its partial destruction by Xerxes. But; on seeing the mounds of fallen brickwork; he gave up the idea. The piers of the bridge on which he stands are built in the shape of boats which they displaced. Illustration for Hutchinson's History of the Nations (Hutchinson; c.1920). Note: Image has been digitally enhanced to facilitate repro.