Historical Encyclopedia
Babylon is one of the most famous ancient states located in Mesopotamia. It was a center of civilization for many centuries, leaving a significant mark in human history. The history of Babylon begins around 2300 BC, when it was founded by King Sargon of Akkad. However, the most significant period in the city's history was the era of King Hammurabi (1792–1750 BC), who united Mesopotamia and made Babylon its capital.
Before Babylon emerged as a great power, the region was inhabited by various peoples, including Sumerians, Akkadians, and Amorites. The earliest mentions of Babylon appear in texts from the late 3rd millennium BC, when the city played a secondary role among other city-states of ancient Mesopotamia. Gradually, it began to gain political and economic influence, leading to its rise on the world stage.
One of the most famous kings of Babylon is Hammurabi. His reign was marked not only by military conquests but also by the creation of the famous code of laws known as the Laws of Hammurabi. This code, consisting of 282 articles, became the foundation for the legal system of many subsequent civilizations. Hammurabi successfully unified Mesopotamia under the rule of Babylon, making it the leading state in the region. This was a period of economic and cultural flourishing when Babylon became the largest city of its time.
Babylonian culture was closely linked to religion. The main deity was Marduk, the patron god of the city. In honor of Marduk, a majestic ziggurat was built—a temple resembling a stepped pyramid. This ziggurat likely served as the inspiration for the myth of the Tower of Babel. Babylon was also known for its astronomical and mathematical achievements, including the development of a counting system based on the number 60, which formed the basis for dividing time into hours, minutes, and seconds.
After Hammurabi's death, Babylon gradually lost its power. The Hammurabi dynasty was overthrown, and the city came under the rule of the Kassites. Nevertheless, Babylon remained a significant cultural and religious center. The city was later conquered by the Assyrians but regained its independence in 626 BC when Nabopolassar ascended to the throne, founding the Neo-Babylonian Empire.
The peak of Babylon's power occurred during the reign of Nebuchadnezzar II (604–562 BC). It was during this period that the famous Hanging Gardens of Babylon were built, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Nebuchadnezzar II actively worked on expanding and beautifying the city, turning it into a magnificent center of civilization. However, after his death, the empire quickly weakened, and in 539 BC, Babylon was captured by the Persians under the leadership of Cyrus the Great.
The fall of Babylon was an important milestone in the history of the ancient world. After its conquest by the Persians, the city lost its political significance, although it remained an important cultural and religious center. Later, Babylon became part of the Alexandrian Empire, but over time it fell into decline and was eventually abandoned by the 1st century AD.
Babylon left an indelible mark on world history. Babylonian architecture, laws, and cultural achievements had a tremendous influence on subsequent civilizations. The myth of the Tower of Babel, cultural traditions, and scientific knowledge of ancient Mesopotamia are reflected in the legacy of the ancient world and continue to intrigue scholars and historians.