A series of articles that criticise the way the cultural heritage of Iraq was neglected during the Gulf war (January to February 1991). The oldest civilizations, up to 10000 year old, are covered by the territory of modern- day Iraq. The evidence available tends to prove that some ancient monuments and sites were affected by allied bombs, and that some of the cultural heritage that has been destroyed is both unique and irreplaceable. Brief historical details on Babylon and Mesopotamia are provided. One article, Babylon rebuilt by Saddam Hussein, outlies the way Saddam evoked two heroes, Saladin and Nebuchadrezzar by rebuilding Babylonian structures, a symbol of regained power.