Hanging Gardens of Babylon Playing Cards

Eon, a sub-brand of Room One Cards, has unveiled its latest project: the Hanging Gardens of Babylon Playing Cards, the first release in an ambitious new series inspired by the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. 

According to Room One Cards, this launch marks a return to fundamentals, cards that are practical, elegant, and deeply rooted in culture and history. As with all things Eon, though, “basic” doesn’t mean boring. These decks are thoughtfully designed to be beautiful and functional, blending historical myth with refined aesthetics.

 

This first deck in the series draws inspiration from the legendary Hanging Gardens of Babylon, one of antiquity’s most enduring mysteries. Said to have been built by King Nebuchadnezzar II for his homesick queen, Amyitis, the Gardens were described as a lush, terraced oasis in the heart of the desert—an architectural and engineering marvel that captivated ancient writers and continues to stir imaginations today.

Eon’s interpretation of the Gardens is vivid and immersive. The cards feature a rich palette of deep blues, radiant golds, and flourishing greens, reminiscent of Babylon’s famed glazed bricks and verdant terraces. The artwork echo ancient Mesopotamian motifs while maintaining a clean, modern elegance that makes the deck both collectible and usable. 

Two editions are available during the campaign, Standard and Special- both housed in a lavish die-cut window tuck box. This packaging design offers a glimpse of the deck’s centerpiece: a 55th custom face card, revealed through a foiled and embossed frame.

Inside, the Standard Edition showcases a cast of Babylonian court figures illustrated in a symmetrical two-way style, paired with bold, unconventional pip placement and fine detailing that adds depth to each card.

 

The Special Edition elevates this with cold foil accents on select number and court cards, giving them an extra glint of opulence. The card backs, already intricate in design, shimmer with added foil, and the edges are finished in a dazzling lime-green gilding, reminiscent of the tropical vibrancy that the Gardens symbolized.

Printed by Room One Cards and pledge starts at $15 on Kickstarter.