15 surprising facts about Babylonian civilization that will startle future generations

The Babylonian civilization was one of the most prominent civilizations in ancient history, flourishing in the Mesopotamia region (now Iraq).

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20:08 - 11/25/2024

The Babylonian civilization was one of the most prominent civilizations in ancient history, flourishing in the Mesopotamia region (now Iraq).

1. History of formation. The Babylonian Empire was formed around the 18th century BC under the rule of King Hammurabi, who unified the Mesopotamian region. Photo: Pinterest.

2. The most magnificent city in the ancient world. Babylon was known as one of the largest and most developed cities in the ancient world, famous for its massive architectural works such as the Hanging Gardens of Babylon and the Tower of Babel (although there is no solid evidence of their existence). Photo: Pinterest.

3. Hanging Gardens of Babylon – One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Hanging Gardens of Babylon are believed to have been built by King Nebuchadnezzar II as a gift to his queen. Although there is no clear archaeological evidence, this is a symbol of timeless creativity. Photo: Pinterest.

4. Tower of Babel. The Tower of Babel is described in the Bible as a tower reaching to the heavens. Although it may be a symbolic and not a real structure, it represents the human aspiration to reach the top. Photo: Pinterest.

5. Hammurabi's Code – The first legal legacy. Babylon is famous for the Hammurabi Code, one of the first written laws in history, engraved on a large stone tablet. The code demonstrates fairness but strictness with the principle of "an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth". Photo: Pinterest.

6. Development of science and astronomy. The Babylonians made great contributions to the field of astronomy. They developed the lunisolar calendar, dividing the year into 12 months and the day into 24 hours. Photo: Pinterest.

7. Cuneiform writing system. The Babylonians used cuneiform, one of the first writing systems in human history, to record transactions, laws, and astronomy. Photo: Pinterest.

8. Built on the foundation of Sumerian civilization. Babylon developed on the foundation of Sumerian civilization, absorbing and improving many inventions such as writing, mathematics, and architecture. Photo: Pinterest.

9. Timekeeping. They used a base 60 system, which resulted in dividing an hour into 60 minutes and a minute into 60 seconds – a way of calculating time that has remained to this day. Photo: Pinterest.

10. Advanced irrigation system. The Babylonians built a network of irrigation canals to cultivate the arid land, turning it into a prosperous agricultural center. Photo: Pinterest.

11. King Nebuchadnezzar II – the man who brought Babylon to its peak. Nebuchadnezzar II reigned from 605 to 562 BC. He expanded the territory and built many great works. Photo: Pinterest.

12. Lord of the Gods – Marduk. Marduk was the main god of Babylon, worshiped in religious ceremonies and considered the patron of the city. Photo: Pinterest.

13. The Fall of Babylon. In 539 BC, the Babylonian Empire was conquered by Cyrus the Great of Persia. The city of Babylon survived but lost its dominant position. Photo: Pinterest.

14. Role in the Bible. Babylon is mentioned many times in the Bible, often seen as a symbol of pride and fall. Photo: Pinterest.

15. Legacy for posterity. Babylonian civilization left a profound mark in fields such as law, astronomy, mathematics, and art, influencing many later civilizations. Photo: Pinterest.

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