Babylonian Empire

Rise of an Empire:

The Babylonian Empire rose to power under the rule of King Hammurabi, who created the famous Code of Hammurabi to bring order to society. After Hammurabi, the empire continued to grow under kings like Nebuchadnezzar II, who expanded its territories through military conquests. Babylon became a magnificent city known for its grand structures, such as the Hanging Gardens. The empire flourished culturally and economically, with bustling markets and advancements in architecture, mathematics, and astronomy. However, the empire eventually fell to the Persians in 539 BCE, marking the end of the Babylonian Empire. Nonetheless, the empire's contributions, including the Code of Hammurabi, left a lasting impact on history, shaping the development of legal systems and influencing future civilizations. 

The Glory of the Babylonian Empire:

During its peak, the Babylonian Empire enjoyed a period of great glory and achievements. The city of Babylon became a vibrant cultural and economic center, attracting people from different lands. The empire thrived in various fields, including architecture, mathematics, and astronomy. Babylon was known for its impressive structures, such as the Hanging Gardens, which were considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. These gardens showcased the empire's advanced engineering skills and created a lush, green paradise in the heart of the city. The Babylonians made significant contributions to mathematics, developing a number system based on 60, which we still use today for measuring time and angles. Their astronomers carefully observed the movements of the stars and planets, creating accurate calendars and predicting celestial events. The empire's cultural richness was reflected in their arts and crafts, with skilled artisans producing intricate pottery, jewelry, and textiles. The Babylonian Empire also had a strong military that helped protect its territories and expand its influence across the region. Their military strength allowed them to maintain peace and security within the empire's borders. The glory of the Babylonian Empire was a testament to the achievements and innovations of its people, who left behind a lasting legacy in the fields of architecture, mathematics, astronomy, and the arts. 

A Falling Empire: 

The Babylonian Empire, even though it was very powerful and magnificent, eventually encountered difficulties and was conquered by another empire, the Persians. In the year 539 BCE, a king from Persia named Cyrus the Great took control of Babylon, and this marked the downfall of the Babylonian Empire. The Persians were known for their strong armies and the ability to conquer other lands. When they conquered Babylon, they didn't completely erase Babylonian culture. Instead, they blended their own way of ruling with the existing Babylonian culture. This meant that some things changed under Persian rule, but many aspects of Babylonian life and traditions continued to exist in some form. 

After the Persians conquered Babylon, they established their own empire known as the Achaemenid Empire. Under Persian rule, Babylon continued to be an important city, but it lost its status as the capital. The Persians made efforts to restore and rebuild Babylon, including repairing the city walls and restoring temples. However, over time, the influence and power of Babylon declined. Eventually, the Achaemenid Empire itself fell to the conquests of Alexander the Great in the 4th century BCE. 

Timeline of Important Events:

Information compiled in this site come from the following sources; British Museum, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Smithsonian Institute, Brooklyn Museum of Art, Acropolis Museum, Encyclopedia Britannica, Egypt Time Travel, Journey to Egypt, Getty Institute, Boston Museum of Fine Art 

If you have edits you would like to suggest, please email Michael.Veley@ship.k12.pa.us