Babylon

Map of Babylon with major areas

Babylon, 1932

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Plan of Ruins of Babylon 1905

Confluence of the Tigris and Euphrates near Al-Qurnah.

Charles Le Brun - Entry of Alexander into Babylon

Babylon was an ancient city located in the Mesopotamia region of the Middle East, within modern-day Iraq. It is one of the most famous cities of the ancient world and was the capital of several ancient empires, including the Babylonian Empire under its most famous ruler, Nebuchadnezzar II. Babylon's history is marked by periods of significant wealth, power, and architectural achievement, most notably the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, which are listed among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

History

The history of Babylon is often divided into several periods, starting from its founding in the 3rd millennium BCE. Its early period is characterized by its growth from a small port town to a major city under the rule of its first dynasty, which was established by Sumu-abum around 1894 BCE. However, it was during the reign of Hammurabi (c. 1792–1750 BCE) that Babylon truly rose to prominence, becoming a major center of politics, culture, and religion. Hammurabi is best known for the Code of Hammurabi, one of the earliest and most complete written legal codes, a significant milestone in the development of legal systems.

Following Hammurabi's death, Babylon went through several periods of decline and resurgence, falling under the control of various foreign powers, including the Hittites and the Kassites, before rising again. The city reached its zenith during the Neo-Babylonian Empire (626–539 BCE), under the rule of Nebuchadnezzar II. This period is noted for significant architectural projects, including the reconstruction of the Temple of Marduk, the Ishtar Gate, and the legendary Hanging Gardens, purportedly built by Nebuchadnezzar for his Median wife, Amytis of Media.

Babylon's dominance ended with its conquest by the Persian Empire under Cyrus the Great in 539 BCE, after which it gradually declined in importance. Despite attempts by later rulers, including Alexander the Great, to restore Babylon to its former glory, the city never regained its previous status and was eventually abandoned.

Cultural and Architectural Achievements

Babylon was renowned for its architectural and cultural achievements. The city was home to some of the most impressive constructions of the ancient world, including the aforementioned Hanging Gardens, the Ishtar Gate, and the Tower of Babel, which is often associated with Babylon due to the story of the confusion of languages in the Bible. The city's walls were also famed for their immense size and strength.

In addition to its physical structures, Babylon was a center of learning and science. The Babylonians made significant advances in mathematics, astronomy, and medicine, and their contributions in these fields have had a lasting impact on subsequent generations.

Religion

Religion played a central role in Babylonian society, with the chief deity being Marduk, the patron god of Babylon. The city hosted the annual Akitu Festival, which celebrated the New Year and the reaffirmation of the king's divine mandate to rule. The Epic of Gilgamesh, one of the oldest known works of literature, reflects the religious beliefs and practices of the ancient Babylonians.

Legacy

The legacy of Babylon is complex. It is remembered both for its cultural achievements and its portrayal in biblical narratives as a symbol of decadence and hubris. Archaeological excavations have uncovered much about the city's history and contributions to human civilization, though many of its legendary constructions, like the Hanging Gardens, remain subjects of debate among historians.