Babylonian Empire

Babylonian Empire 𒆳𒀭𒊏𒆠
1894 BC–539 BC
Capital	Babylon
Common languages	Akkadian, Aramaic
Religion	Ancient Mesopotamian religion
Government	Monarchy
King
• 1894–1881 BC	Sumu-abum
• 556–539 BC	Nabonidus
Historical era	Antiquity
• Established	1894 BC
• Conquered by the Achaemenid Empire	539 BC
Preceded by Succeeded by Sumer Achaemenid Empire

The Babylonian Empire was an ancient empire centered around the city of Babylon, located in what is today Iraq. The empire emerged from the earlier city-states of Sumer and reached its peak under the rule of Nebuchadnezzar II, who reigned from 605 to 562 BC.

History

The history of the Babylonian Empire can be divided into several periods, starting with its founding by Sumu-abum in 1894 BC. Initially, Babylon was a small city-state, but it began to grow in power under the rule of Hammurabi (1792–1750 BC), who is best known for the Code of Hammurabi, one of the earliest and most complete written legal codes.

1. 1. 1. Old Babylonian Period (1894–1595 BC)

This period is marked by the rise of Babylon under Hammurabi, who expanded the city's control over neighboring regions, including much of Mesopotamia.

1. 1. 1. Kassite Period (c. 1595–1155 BC)

After the sack of Babylon by the Hittites, the city came under the control of the Kassites, who maintained the culture and traditions of the Babylonian civilization.

1. 1. 1. Neo-Babylonian Period (626–539 BC)

The Neo-Babylonian period saw the resurgence of Babylonian power. Nebuchadnezzar II, the most famous of the Babylonian kings, is known for his military conquests and the construction of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. This period ended when Babylon was conquered by the Persian Empire under Cyrus the Great in 539 BC.

Culture

Babylonian culture was rich and influential, with significant developments in mathematics, astronomy, and law. The Babylonians are credited with many scientific advancements, including the creation of a mathematical system based on the number 60, which led to the 60-minute hour and the 360-degree circle used today.

Religion

The religion of the Babylonian Empire was polytheistic, with a pantheon of gods led by Marduk, the patron deity of Babylon. The Epic of Gilgamesh, one of the oldest known works of literature, reflects the religious beliefs and practices of the time.

Legacy

The legacy of the Babylonian Empire is evident in its contributions to law, science, and culture. Its influence continued to be felt long after the empire itself had fallen, particularly through the transmission of Babylonian astronomy and mathematics to the Greeks and other cultures.