Babylon: Cradle of Civilization

By Oriental Publishing

This book looks into Babylon's genesis taking us back to the third millennium BCE when the Akkadian Empire, under the rule of Sargon the Great, laid the foundation for the city-state. Sargon, a charismatic and ambitious leader, sought to consolidate his dominion over the fertile lands between the twin rivers. In this political tapestry, a settlement known as Eridu would play a pivotal role.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Oriental Publishing
• Release date: Feb 21, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224255641

Book preview

Babylon: Cradle of Civilization

Oriental Publishing

Published by Oriental Publishing, 2024.

While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, the publisher assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions, or for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein.

BABYLON: CRADLE OF CIVILIZATION

First edition. February 21, 2024.

Copyright © 2024 Oriental Publishing.

Written by Oriental Publishing.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Foundations of Babylon: Origins and Early History

Chapter 2: Babylonian Society and Daily Life

Chapter 3: The Rise of Hammurabi: Babylonian EmpireBuilding

Chapter 4: Babylonian Religion and Mythology

Chapter 5: Babylonian Achievements: Science, Arts, and Architecture

Chapter 1: Foundations of Babylon: Origins and Early History

Our journey into Babylon's genesis takes us back to the third millennium BCE when the Akkadian Empire, under the rule of Sargon the Great, laid the foundation for the city-state. Sargon, a charismatic and ambitious leader, sought to consolidate his dominion over the fertile lands between the twin rivers. In this political tapestry, a settlement known as Eridu would play a pivotal role.

Eridu, one of the oldest cities in Mesopotamia, was perched near the marshes of the Persian Gulf. It served as a cultural and religious hub, with temples dedicated to deities such as Enki, the god of wisdom. As the Akkadian Empire expanded, the strategic significance of Eridu couldn't be overlooked. The Akkadian rulers recognized the potential of this region, blessed with abundant agricultural resources and a favorable geography for trade.

The transition from Eridu to Babylon marked a shift in the power dynamics of the region. The

Akkadian influence, coupled with the inherent strategic advantages of the location, propelled Babylon into prominence. The city's rise can be attributed to a confluence of factors, including its proximity to key trade routes, the fertility of the surrounding land, and the organizational prowess of the Akkadian rulers.

Babylon's ascent was not a mere stroke of luck but a calculated endeavor. The Akkadian leaders, recognizing the economic potential of Babylon, invested in infrastructure, irrigation, and fortifications. The city's walls rose as a testament to the ambition of its builders, creating a sense of permanence in the ever-shifting landscape of Mesopotamia. The Euphrates River, flowing gracefully through the heart of Babylon, further solidified its position as a vital economic and transportation artery.

Under the reign of Hammurabi, Babylon reached its zenith during the 18th century BCE. Hammurabi, a wise and just ruler, is best known for the Codex Hammurabi, one of the earliest and most complete written legal codes in history. This codification of laws not only reflected the sophistication of

Babylonian society but also established a framework for governance that would endure for centuries.

The city's growth was not confined to the material realm alone; Babylon became a cultural and intellectual hub, attracting scholars, poets, and artisans from across Mesopotamia. The Hanging Gardens of Babylon, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, added a touch of botanical marvel to the cityscape, a testament to the opulence and ingenuity of Babylonian engineering.

Trade flourished within the city walls, connecting Babylon to distant lands. The Ishtar Gate, adorned with vibrant blue tiles depicting mythical creatures, stood as a majestic portal to the bustling markets and diverse cultures that coexisted within Babylon. The city became a melting pot of ideas, a convergence point for the wisdom of Sumer, Akkad, and other ancient civilizations.

Religion played a central role in Babylonian life, and the city was adorned with temples dedicated to a pantheon of deities. The grandeur of the temples reflected not only the Babylonians' piety but also their architectural prowess. The Ziggurat of Marduk, the patron god of Babylon, soared majestically towards the heavens, symbolizing the city's spiritual aspirations.

Babylon's golden age, however, was not immune to the winds of change. As empires rose and fell, so did the fortunes of this illustrious city. The Assyrians, under the command of Sennacherib, sacked Babylon in the 7th