The Time Compass. The Hanging Gardens of Babylon

The Time Compass.

The Hanging Gardens of Babylon

Meet the Team:

Alex – curious and brave.

Lily – smart and creative.

Professor Thomas – the history expert.

Milo – a friendly robot guide.

Vocabulary

Terrace- a flat area built on the side of a hill or building

Garden- a place where flowers, trees, and plants grow

Palace- a large home where a king or queen lives

Wall- a strong structure made of stone or brick

Gate- a large entrance into a city or building

Channel- a narrow path where water flows

Water wheel- a large wheel that moves water

Gardener- a person who grows and cares for plants

Ancient- very old; from a long time ago

Legend- an old story that may or may not be true

Wonder- something amazing that people admire

Journey- a trip from one place to another

Anna Honey

About the Author

Anna Honey writes educational adventure books that help children improve their English while discovering history, culture, and famous places around the world.

Her Time Travel Adventures series combines simple English, exciting stories, and beautiful illustrations for young readers aged 10-15.

She believes that every great adventure begins with curiosity.

Contents

Chapter One - The Green Wonder

Chapter Two - The City of Blue Gates

Chapter Three - The Queen's Dream

Chapter Four - The Garden Above the Sky

Chapter Five -The Wonder That Never Faded

Chapter 1- The Green Wonder

The afternoon sun filled Professor Thomas's study with warm light. Dust danced in the air above the old bookshelves. A small lemon tree stood beside the window, and its white blossoms gave the room a fresh, sweet scent. Lily bent down to water the tree. A tiny drop rolled from one leaf onto her hand.

"This little tree seems happy," she said.

Professor Thomas carried a stack of books to the desk.

"Plants are good at telling us when they are comfortable," he replied. "A thirsty tree looks very different."

Alex closed the history book he had been reading. "I still can't stop thinking about Egypt," he admitted.

"Neither can I," Lily said. "I keep imagining the Great Pyramid shining in the sun."

Milo floated around the lemon tree and scanned the leaves with a soft green light.

"Healthy roots. Strong leaves. Excellent condition," he announced proudly.

Alex laughed. "Since when are you a gardener?"

"Since three minutes ago," Milo replied.

Professor Thomas opened a large book bound in dark leather. He turned several pages and stopped at an old drawing. The picture showed a huge city surrounded by blue walls. Above the rooftops, green terraces rose higher and higher until they seemed to touch the clouds.

Lily moved closer. "What is that place?"

"Babylon," Professor Thomas said.

Alex studied the drawing. "Those gardens are enormous."

"According to ancient writers, they were one of the wonders of the world," Professor Thomas explained. "The terraces were filled with trees, flowers, and rare plants from many lands."

Lily traced the edge of the page with her finger.

"How could anyone grow a garden so high above the ground?"

"That is the great question," Professor Thomas said. "Some historians believe the gardens were real. Others think the story grew larger over time and became a legend."

Milo tilted his head. "So, nobody knows the truth?"

"Not completely," Professor Thomas answered. "Archaeologists have searched for many years, but they have not found clear proof."

Alex leaned back in his chair. "I would love to see them with my own eyes."

At that moment, a soft green glow appeared inside Milo's chest. The light grew brighter, and a gentle hum filled the room. Professor Thomas reached for the Time Compass on the desk. The old instrument answered with the same green light.

Its needle began to turn slowly by itself.

Lily straightened up. "That means the portal is waking up."

Milo's eyes flashed. "New coordinates detected."

A shining map appeared in the air above the desk. A wide river crossed the land like a silver ribbon. Beside it stood a magnificent city with towering blue gates. Then the image changed. Green terraces climbed above the streets, and water flowed from one level to the next.

Alex stared at the floating picture.

"Those must be the Hanging Gardens."

Professor Thomas picked up the glowing compass.

"It certainly looks that way."

Lily watched the water sparkling in the image.

"They seem alive."

The green light suddenly flickered. For a brief moment, one of the terraces faded and disappeared. Then another section vanished. The flowing water became thin and pale.

Milo hovered closer to the map. "Something is changing," he said quietly.

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