Babylonia

F0182 Louvre Code Hammourabi Bas-relief Sb8 rwk

Cylinder seal,ca. 18th–17th century B.C. Babylonian

Kassite Babylonia EN

Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia c. 1450 BC

East-Hem 1300bc

Babylonia was an ancient Akkadian-speaking state and cultural area based in central-southern Mesopotamia (present-day Iraq). A small Amorite-ruled state emerged in 1894 BC, which contained the minor administrative town of Babylon. Over time, it expanded into a powerful empire, often considered the cradle of civilization. Babylonia flourished under the rule of its most famous king, Hammurabi (reign 1792–1750 BC), and became known for its contributions to art, architecture, law, and science.

History

The history of Babylonia is marked by several key periods, including the Old Babylonian Period, the Kassite Period, and the Neo-Babylonian Empire.

Old Babylonian Period

The Old Babylonian Period (c. 1830–1531 BC) saw the rise of Babylon under the rule of Hammurabi. He is best known for the Code of Hammurabi, one of the earliest and most complete written legal codes, a cornerstone in the development of legal systems.

Kassite Period

Following the Hittite sack of Babylon, the Kassite dynasty (c. 1531–1155 BC) came to power, leading to a period of stability and cultural integration. This era is notable for its architectural achievements and advancements in astronomy and mathematics.

Neo-Babylonian Empire

The Neo-Babylonian Empire (626–539 BC) marked the last great phase of Babylonian dominance in Mesopotamia. Under rulers such as Nebuchadnezzar II, Babylonia restored its glory with the construction of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the towering ziggurats.

Culture

Babylonian culture was rich and complex, with significant achievements in various fields.

Language and Writing

The Babylonians spoke a dialect of Akkadian and wrote using cuneiform script. They made significant contributions to literature, including the Epic of Gilgamesh, one of the oldest known works of literature.

Science and Mathematics

Babylonians are credited with the development of advanced mathematics and astronomy. They devised a base-60 number system, which is still used in measuring time and angles.

Religion

Babylonian religion was polytheistic, with a pantheon of gods led by Marduk. Temples, or ziggurats, were central to religious life, serving as places of worship and community gatherings.

Legacy

The legacy of Babylonia is evident in modern law, language, and culture. Its contributions to mathematics, astronomy, and literature have had a lasting impact on the development of Western civilization.