Semiramis

views updated Jun 08 2018

Semiramis In Assyrian mythology, a queen and goddess, wife of Ninus, founder of Nineveh. Daughter of a fish goddess and the god of wisdom, Semiramis was reared by doves. After the death of Ninus she ruled alone, founded the city of Babylon, and led victorious armies against numerous enemies until, opposed by her son, she took the form of a dove and flew away.

Semiramis

views updated May 29 2018

Semiramis in Greek mythology, the daughter of an Assyrian goddess who married an Assyrian king. After his death she ruled for many years and became one of the founders of Babylon. She is thought to have been based on the historical queen Sammuramat (c.800 bc).