Babylonians
Ancient Civilization
The Babylonians were an ancient civilization that emerged in the late third millennium BC in the region of Mesopotamia, present-day Iraq. They were known for their advancements in law, architecture, and astronomy, which significantly influenced subsequent civilizations.
History
The history of the Babylonians can be divided into three main periods: the Old Babylonian Period (2000-1600 BC), the Middle Babylonian Period (1600-1000 BC), and the Neo-Babylonian Period (1000-539 BC).
Old Babylonian Period
The Old Babylonian Period was marked by the rise of the city of Babylon under the rule of the Amorite king, Hammurabi. Hammurabi is best remembered for the Code of Hammurabi, one of the earliest known legal codes.
Middle Babylonian Period
The Middle Babylonian Period saw a decline in the power of Babylon as the city was sacked by the Hittites and later dominated by the Kassites.
Neo-Babylonian Period
The Neo-Babylonian Period, also known as the Chaldean Empire, was a time of great prosperity and architectural achievement. The most notable ruler of this period was Nebuchadnezzar II, who is credited with the construction of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Culture
The Babylonians had a rich and influential culture. They developed a complex system of writing known as Cuneiform, which was used for administrative, legal, and literary purposes. They also made significant contributions to mathematics and astronomy, developing a base-60 number system that is still used in measuring time and angles today.
Religion
The Babylonians practiced a polytheistic religion with a pantheon of gods and goddesses. The chief deity was Marduk, the patron god of Babylon. The Babylonians believed in an afterlife and performed elaborate burial rituals.
Legacy
The legacy of the Babylonians is seen in many aspects of modern society. The Code of Hammurabi influenced later legal codes, including Roman law and the laws of the Hebrew Bible. The Babylonian base-60 number system is still used in modern timekeeping and astronomy.
