Babylonians

Definition

The Babylonians were an ancient civilization that emerged in Mesopotamia, particularly known for their influential city of Babylon, which became a major center of culture, trade, and governance around 1800 BCE. This civilization is significant for its contributions to law, literature, and architecture, especially exemplified by the famous Code of Hammurabi and the Hanging Gardens, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Babylonians are best known for the establishment of the Code of Hammurabi around 1754 BCE, which laid down laws governing daily life and justice.
2. Babylon reached its peak under King Nebuchadnezzar II during the 6th century BCE, known for his military conquests and monumental building projects, including the famed Hanging Gardens.
3. The Babylonians made significant advancements in mathematics and astronomy, developing a base-60 number system that is still used today to measure time and angles.
4. Babylon's strategic location on trade routes allowed it to become a thriving commercial center, facilitating cultural exchange and economic growth.
5. The decline of Babylon began after it fell to the Persians in 539 BCE under Cyrus the Great, marking a significant shift in power in the ancient Near East.

Review Questions

• How did the Babylonians influence the development of law and governance in ancient civilizations?
  • The Babylonians significantly influenced law and governance through the establishment of the Code of Hammurabi. This legal code introduced a system of laws that addressed various aspects of daily life, including trade, family relations, and property rights. It established principles of justice such as 'an eye for an eye,' which shaped legal thought in subsequent cultures and civilizations by providing a written reference for laws that could be enforced uniformly.
• Discuss the role of Babylon as a center of culture and trade during its peak under Nebuchadnezzar II.
  • Under Nebuchadnezzar II, Babylon became a vibrant center of culture and trade, marked by impressive architectural achievements like the Ishtar Gate and the Hanging Gardens. The city's strategic position along important trade routes facilitated economic prosperity, attracting merchants from various regions. This cultural melting pot led to advancements in art, literature, and science, creating a legacy that would influence neighboring civilizations.
• Evaluate how Babylon's contributions to mathematics and astronomy laid foundational knowledge for later civilizations.
  • Babylon's contributions to mathematics and astronomy were revolutionary, particularly their development of a base-60 number system. This system not only impacted calculations but also influenced our current methods for measuring time and angles. Their astronomical observations led to more accurate calendars and celestial predictions, providing essential knowledge that later civilizations like the Greeks would build upon. The legacy of Babylonian science reflects their profound impact on human understanding of the universe.

Related terms

Hammurabi: The sixth king of the First Babylonian Dynasty, known for codifying one of the earliest and most complete written legal codes in history, the Code of Hammurabi.

Mesopotamia: A historical region located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, often referred to as the cradle of civilization due to its early advancements in writing, agriculture, and urbanization.

Ziggurat: A massive structure built in ancient Mesopotamia that served as a temple and administrative center, often associated with the Babylonians and their religious practices.