Rise of the Babylonian Empire
Under King Hammurabi (1792-1750 BCE), the Babylonian Empire experienced a period of unprecedented growth and influence:
- Political Unification: Hammurabi extended Babylonian control over neighboring city-states in Mesopotamia, including Isin, Larsa, and Mari.
- Codification of Law: Hammurabi is renowned for establishing the Code of Hammurabi, one of the earliest known collections of written laws in human history. This code provided a framework for justice and order throughout the empire.
- Economic Prosperity: Babylon flourished as a major trading hub, with a vast network connecting it to other regions.
- Architectural Achievements: Hammurabi ordered the construction of grand structures, including the Ebabbar Temple, the Ishtar Gate, and the Ziggurat of Babel.
- Military Expansion: Hammurabi's army was well-organized and equipped, enabling him to conquer territories and establish a vast empire.
Fall of the Babylonian Empire
Around 1595 BCE, the Babylonian Empire entered a period of decline:
- Kassite Invasion: The Kassites, a mountain people from the east, invaded and conquered Babylon. They established their own dynasty, which ruled for over 400 years.
- Weakened Central Power: Under the Kassites, central authority weakened, and Babylonian provinces became increasingly autonomous.
- Assyrian Domination: In the 8th century BCE, the Assyrian Empire emerged as a dominant power in the region. They conquered Babylon and made it a vassal state.
- Chaldean Revolt and Nebuchadnezzar: In 626 BCE, the Chaldeans, a Semitic people from southern Mesopotamia, revolted against Assyrian rule. Nebuchadnezzar II (605-562 BCE) became their leader.
- Neo-Babylonian Empire: Nebuchadnezzar defeated the Assyrians and established a new Babylonian empire. He rebuilt the city of Babylon and made it one of the most magnificent cities in the ancient world.
Second Fall of the Babylonian Empire
In 539 BCE, the Persian Empire led by Cyrus the Great conquered Babylon. The Neo-Babylonian Empire came to an end, and Babylon gradually declined in importance.
Legacy of the Babylonian Empire
Despite its eventual decline, the Babylonian Empire left a lasting legacy:
- Code of Hammurabi: The code influenced legal systems in many subsequent civilizations, including the Roman Empire.
- Babylonian Astronomy and Mathematics: Babylonian astronomers and mathematicians made significant contributions to these fields, including developing a sophisticated system of astronomy and creating the concept of zero.
- Hanging Gardens of Babylon: Nebuchadnezzar's renowned Hanging Gardens are considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
- Cultural Influence: Babylonian culture and ideas spread throughout the ancient Near East and influenced subsequent civilizations, including the Greeks, Romans, and Hebrews.