Ancient Babylon was a key city-kingdom in ancient Mesopotamia from the eighteenth to sixth centuries BCE. It was built on the Euphrates river and divided in equal parts along its left and right banks, with steep embankments to contain the river's seasonal floods. The city of Babylon was originally a small Akkadian town dating from the period of the Akkadian Empire circa 2300 BCE. The town became part of a small independent city-state with the rise of the First Babylonian dynasty in the 19th century BCE. The city, built along both banks of the Euphrates river, had steep embankments to contain the river's seasonal floods. The site of the ancient city lies just south of present-day Baghdad.
The history of ancient city of Babylon is an epic of a city that rose to prominence as one of the most influential centers of civilization in ancient Mesopotamia. Its history spans over two millennia, with periods of grandeur, conquest, and cultural achievements.
Early Babylon: The city of Babylon was founded in the early 2nd millennium BCE. It initially served as a provincial town in the Akkadian Empire. However, it wasn't until the 18th century BCE that Babylon began to assert its independence and grow in significance.
Hammurabi's Babylon: The most famous period in Babylon's history is associated with Hammurabi, who ruled in the 18th century BCE. Hammurabi's Code, one of the earliest known legal codes, was established during his reign. Under his leadership, Babylon became a major political and cultural center.
Kassite and Assyrian Dominance: Following the decline of Hammurabi's dynasty, Babylon came under the rule of the Kassites and later the Assyrians. The city lost its independence for several centuries but remained culturally vibrant.
Neo-Babylonian Empire: In the 7th century BCE, the Neo-Babylonian Empire, under the leadership of Nebuchadnezzar II, emerged as a dominant force in the region. Nebuchadnezzar is famous for the construction of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. During this period, Babylon reached its zenith of power and prosperity.
Cyrus the Great and Persian Rule: In 539 BCE, the Persian Empire, led by Cyrus the Great, conquered Babylon. This marked the end of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. Cyrus is known for his benevolent treatment of conquered peoples, including the Jews, which is recounted in the Bible.
The Southern Palace was a massive and imposing structure characterized by its grandeur and size. It featured impressive gateways, courtyards, and audience halls. The Neo-Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar II constructed for himself a large and ornately decorated palace, the ruins of which are still visible today. This extensive architectural complex was located in the Kadingirra district of Babylon, which is situated just south of the Ishtar Gate, east of the processional street. Read more
The Processional Street of Babylon, also known as the "Procession Way" or "Street of Processions", whose Akkadian ceremonial name means "May the Arrogant Not Flourish", was a grand and ceremonial road in the ancient city of Babylon. The grand thoroughfare, running north-south through the city, extended for approximately 600 meters from the Ishtar Gate to the Esagila (Marduk temple). The street was decorated with lions, bulls, dragons, and flowers on enameled yellow and black glazed bricks. Read more
The Ninmakh Temple (Bēlet-ilī, Emah), like many ancient Mesopotamian temples, was typically located in the heart of a city or settlement. The Ninmakh Temple dedicated to goddess Ninmah, according to the Babylonian topographical texts, was one of four temples in that part of the city, which was located in the northern part of the eastern half of Babylon. It was rebuilt by the Assyrian king Ashurbanipal (668–631 BCE) and the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar II (604–562 BCE). Read more
"The in-situ remains of the Ishtar Gate refer to the original archaeological remnants or the preserved portions or sections of the Ishtar Gate that have been preserved in their original location. Constructed out of fired-mud brick, these remains are also adorned with the same reliefs in alternating rows of bas-relief mušḫuššu (dragons), aurochs (bulls), and lions, symbolizing the gods Marduk, Adad, and Ishtar respectively. The bricks of the Ishtar gate were made from finely textured clay pressed into wooden forms including the impressions of the mythical-animals.
Overview / Babylonian Remains / Reconstruction in Pergamon Museum
The reconstructed ruins of ancient Babylon, also known as the "Babel". The world’s first-known civil code was written here; Alexander the Great is believed to have died here; countless biblical stories take place here.
During Saddam Hussein's era, there were efforts to reconstruct and restore some of the ancient remains of Babylon, the iconic city in Iraq. These reconstruction projects were undertaken with the aim of showcasing Iraq's historical and cultural heritage. During this, various structures were reconstructed and renovated, such as a replica of Ishtar Gate, parts of Nebuchadnezzar's palace, and the Southern Palace.
The Lion of Babylon is a massive stone sculpture of a lion, specifically a lioness, carved from a single block of stone. It is characterized by its lifelike and imposing appearance, with intricate details (now lost). This sculpture may have been originally located at one of the eight gates of the inner city of Babylon or a notable royal building. Read more
"E-Dub-Lal-Makh" is an ancient Sumerian term that refers to a type of temple or sacred precinct in Mesopotamia. Positioned to the southeast of the ziggurat, the E-Dublal-Mah sanctuary, which translates to 'The House of Tablets,' was initially built using mudbrick, probably during the reign of Amar-Sin, the third monarch of the Third Dynasty. Nevertheless, Woolley proposes that it may date back to the Early Dynastic eras. Read more
Tell Babil mound is the highest ruin in modern Babylon. It is the site of a royal residence of the Neo-Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar II (r. 604–562 BCE). Nebuchadnezzar II records the construction of the “Summer Palace” at Tell Babil as follows in one of his inscriptions. It was built at the northernmost spur of the outer city of Babylon. Read more
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The Madain Project is an online archive of Abrahamic History and Archaeology.
Abrahamic History & Archaeology is the study of history and archaeology with respect to the three Abrahamic Faiths without considering the religious and theological aspects. The goal of Abrahamic History is to understand how and why the religious doctrines and behaviours have evlovled and changed over time. Searching for patterns in the evolution of significant cultural events such as the development of farming, the emergence of cities, or the collapse of major civilizations for clues of why and how these have influenced the three major Abrahamic religions.
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