The Ancient City of Babylon: History of the Babylonian Empire
Summary
TLDRThis video explores the ancient city of Babylon, once considered a wonder of the world, with its legendary walls and the possibly mythical Hanging Gardens. Narrated by Kelly, it delves into Babylon's historical significance, its rise under King Hammurabi with his famous law codes, and its eventual fall to the Persians. The video also contrasts the Bible's negative portrayal of Babylon with the admiration from other ancient sources, highlighting the city's cultural and architectural marvels.
Takeaways
- π Babylon was an ancient city in Mesopotamia, now modern-day Iraq, and was known as the 'Gate of the Gods'.
- π³ The Hanging Gardens of Babylon, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, may have never existed or possibly were located in Nineveh.
- π Babylon's fame is partly due to its numerous biblical references, particularly in the books of Daniel, Jeremiah, Isaiah, and Revelation.
- π The city was transformed into a powerful center by King Hammurabi, who is famous for his law codes and contributions to the city's infrastructure.
- π‘ Babylon was known for its impressive structures like the Ishtar Gate and its massive walls, which were said to be wide enough for chariots to race on top.
- π₯ The city faced destruction and rebuilding multiple times, including by the Neo-Assyrian King Sennacherib, who scattered its ruins.
- π Babylon's cultural and architectural legacy was admired by ancient sources, in contrast to the Bible's negative portrayal.
- π Nebuchadnezzar II, a Chaldean king, renovated Babylon and constructed some of its most famous buildings, including the possibly mythical Hanging Gardens.
- π° Babylon continued to be a significant city under various rulers until it was conquered by Cyrus the Great in 539 BCE, leading to its eventual decline.
- ποΈ The city's remains were lost for centuries until European travelers and archaeologists rediscovered them in the 17th and 18th centuries, sparking interest in Mesopotamian archaeology.
Q & A
What were the walls of Babylon once considered to be?
-The walls of Babylon were once considered one of the wonders of the world.
What is the alternative theory about the location of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon?
-Some scholars suggest that the Hanging Gardens may have actually been located in Nineveh instead of Babylon.
What does the name 'Babylon' mean in the context of the Acadians?
-In the context of the Acadians, 'Babylon' means 'gate of the gods'.
Which biblical books make references to Babylon?
-The biblical references to Babylon are primarily found in the books of Daniel, Jeremiah, Isaiah, and the Book of Revelation.
What is Hammurabi known for in the history of Babylon?
-Hammurabi is known for his law codes, which he spread throughout his empire, and for transforming Babylon into a powerful and influential city in Mesopotamia.
What happened to Babylon after Hammurabi's death?
-After Hammurabi's death, his empire fell apart, making it easy for the Hittites to sack Babylon in 1595 BCE.
Who was Nebuchadnezzar II and what is he known for?
-Nebuchadnezzar II was a Chaldean king who reigned from 605 to 562 BCE. He is known for renovating the city of Babylon and creating some of the most impressive buildings in Mesopotamia.
Why is the existence of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon questioned by some scholars?
-The existence of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon is questioned because their ruins have never been found, and some ancient sources suggest they may have been located elsewhere.
How did Cyrus the Great's approach to Babylon differ from that of the earlier conquerors?
-Cyrus the Great took the city without a fight, according to Persian accounts, and held Babylon in high esteem, making it one of the administrative capitals of his empire.
What is the significance of the Ishtar Gate in Babylonian history?
-The Ishtar Gate was a mammoth structure decorated with golden images and was often mentioned with reverence, symbolizing the grandeur of Babylon.
How did the city of Babylon decline and eventually disappear?
-Babylon gradually declined after the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BCE, and by the time of Parthian rule in 141 BCE, it had been deserted and forgotten. The city was eventually swept away during the Muslim conquest in 650 CE and buried beneath the sands.
Outlines
ποΈ Ancient Babylon: The City of Wonders and Legends
This paragraph introduces the historical city of Babylon, located in what is now modern-day Iraq, and its significance in ancient Mesopotamia. Babylon was known as the 'Gate of the Gods' and gained fame through biblical references, particularly in books like Daniel, Jeremiah, Isaiah, and Revelation. The city is also renowned for the legendary Hanging Gardens, the Ishtar Gate, and its impressive walls. The paragraph discusses the possibility that the Hanging Gardens may have been located elsewhere or even been a myth. It also touches on the city's early history, including its founding and the rule of Sargon of Akkad, as well as the reign of Hammurabi, who is famous for his law codes and the expansion of Babylon's influence.
π‘οΈ Babylon's Rise, Fall, and Cultural Legacy
This section delves into the various stages of Babylon's history, from its resurgence under the rule of Essa Haddan, who rebuilt the city and restored its glory, to its depiction in the Bible, where it is often portrayed negatively, such as in the story of the Tower of Babel. The paragraph also covers the Neo-Babylonian Empire under Nebuchadnezzar II, who constructed remarkable buildings and is credited with the potential creation of the Hanging Gardens. The narrative continues through the city's decline after the death of Nebuchadnezzar II, its eventual fall to the Persians under Cyrus the Great, and its continued importance as a center of learning and culture. The paragraph concludes with the city's eventual abandonment and rediscovery by European travelers in the 17th and 18th centuries, leading to increased archaeological interest.
π Babylon's Legacy and Modern Perceptions
The final paragraph reflects on the contrasting portrayals of Babylon in ancient sources versus the Bible, inviting viewers to share their thoughts on why the Bible might present Babylon negatively while other sources praise it. It also serves as a call to action for viewers to support the channel, subscribe for updates, and engage with the content. The paragraph promotes the World History Encyclopedia as a resource for further exploration and learning, highlighting its non-profit status and encouraging support for its mission to provide educational content.
Mindmap
Keywords
π‘Babylon
π‘Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
π‘Hammurabi
π‘Ishtar Gate
π‘Mesopotamia
π‘Nebuchadnezzar II
π‘Biblical References
π‘Archaeology
π‘Cyrus the Great
π‘Administrative Capitals
π‘Decline and Desertion
Highlights
The walls of Babylon were once considered a wonder of the world.
The famous Hanging Gardens of Babylon may have never actually existed.
Babylon was a city in Mesopotamia, now modern-day Iraq, known as the 'Gate of the Gods'.
Babylon's fame is partly due to numerous biblical references, especially in the books of Daniel, Jeremiah, Isaiah, and Revelation.
Babylon is known for its Ishtar Gate, magnificent walls, and buildings, and as a great seat of culture and learning.
The Hanging Gardens were man-made terraces with exotic flora and fauna, considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.
Some scholars suggest the Hanging Gardens may have been located in Nineveh, while others question their existence.
Sargon of Akkad, also known as Sargon the Great, is credited with founding Babylon, although it may have existed before his reign.
Hammurabi, known for his law codes, transformed Babylon into a powerful and influential city in Mesopotamia.
Hammurabi's law codes extended centralized government and provided legal rights and common laws throughout the kingdom.
Babylon's empire fell apart after Hammurabi's death, leading to its sack by the Hittites in 1595 BCE.
Under the rule of the Neo-Assyrian King Sennacherib, Babylon was sacked and its ruins scattered to prevent other cities from following its path.
Esarhaddon, Sennacherib's successor, rebuilt Babylon and returned it to its former glory.
The Bible's portrayal of Babylon as corrupt and wicked contrasts with other ancient sources that admire the city.
Nebuchadnezzar II, a Chaldean king, created the Neo-Babylonian Empire and renovated the city with impressive buildings.
The Ishtar Gate and the immense walls of Babylon were constructed with fired bricks for durability and are still admired today.
Babylon continued to flourish as a seat of learning and culture under Persian rule and was made an administrative capital.
After the death of Alexander the Great, Babylon began to decline and was eventually deserted and forgotten.
European travelers in the 17th and 18th centuries CE sparked interest in Babylon, leading to the development of biblical archaeology.
Archaeological work in the 19th century CE aimed to uncover physical evidence to support biblical narratives.
Transcripts
did you know the walls of babylon were
once considered a wonder of the world
or that the famous hanging gardens may
have never actually
[Music]
existed
hello and welcome to world history
encyclopedia
my name is kelly and today's video is
all about the most famous city from
ancient mesopotamia
babylon don't forget the easiest way to
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babylon was a city in mesopotamia which
is now modern-day
iraq the city was known by the acadians
as barville which means gate of the gods
the city of babylon is so well known to
many due to the numerous references to
it in the bible
although none of them are particularly
glowing comments
it is due to these biblical references
primarily in the books of daniel
jeremiah isaiah and the book of
revelation
that so much interest has been aroused
in mesopotamian archaeology
both in the past and present apart from
its mentions in the bible
babylon is known for many things
including its impressive ishtar gate
magnificent walls and buildings the
belief that it was a great seat of
culture and learning
and the potentially fantastical hanging
gardens of babylon
built by nebuchadnezzar ii for his wife
the hanging gardens of babylon were
man-made terraces
with heaps of exotic flora and fauna and
was considered one of the seven
wonders of the ancient world ruins of
these gardens
have never been found and some scholars
claim they may have actually been at
nineveh
while many others have wondered whether
they even existed at all
although some ancient sources say that
sargon of accord
also known as sargon the great founded
the city of babylon
it is widely believed that babylon was
already founded
prior to the reign of sargon between 23
34
and 2279 bce
babylon seems to have been a fairly
minor city or perhaps even a large port
town on the euphrates river
where it runs closest to the tigris at
the time of sargon's rule
unfortunately the ruins of old babylon
have been lost to us
since the water level has steadily risen
over the years
and the ruins which are visible today
date to over 1 000 years
after the city was founded
the known history of babylon begins with
its most famous king
hammurabi hammurabi reigned between 1792
and 1750 bce and during this time
he transformed the city into one of the
most powerful
and influential in the whole of
mesopotamia
hammurabi is best known for his law
codes which he spread
throughout his empire not only did these
law codes allow hammurabi to extend his
centralized government
far and wide but his subjects felt like
they were benefiting from his rule
by having legal rights and common laws
throughout the kingdom
he improved upon the walls of the city
of babylon
built temples and increased public works
and used his law code to maintain peace
in his extended kingdom
hammurabi was able to extend his
babylonian realm
all throughout mesopotamia and continued
to hold the region
under babylonian control until his death
after hammurabi died
his empire fell apart which made it easy
for the hittites to sack babylon in 1595
bce
after the hittites conquered the city
the cassites conquered it next
and even temporarily renamed it karan
duniash
under the rule of the neo-assyrian king
cena cherub
who reigned between 705 to 681 bce
the assyrians were next to dominate the
city it was at this point that babylon
revolted against their oppressors
so cena cherub sacked and raised the
city and then scattered the ruins
so no other city would follow in
babylon's footsteps
even the people who were meant to be on
cena cherub's side
like his people and his court thought
his actions were impious and extreme
and soon after his destruction of
babylon cena cherub was assassinated by
his sons
his successor essa haddan who ruled
between 681 and 669 bce took a
drastically different approach
and elevated the name of babylon he
rebuilt the great city
making sure to include his name on its
bricks
and soon returned it to its former glory
the city was still highly regarded under
essa haddon's successor
asher bannapur who besieged and sacked
the city
but gave orders that no major damage was
to be done
although in ancient sources babylon is
regarded highly the bible tells a
different story
in genesis 10 you find the story of the
tower of babel
which was raised at babylon by different
people who spoke the same language
this displeased god and so he confused
their tongues and created different
languages
so that they couldn't finish the tower
in the book of daniel
babylon is depicted as corrupt and in
book of jeremiah 59 babylon's fall for
wickedness is predicted
also in book of revelation babylon is
equated with sin and pride
you get the idea babylon was not a
favored city
the end of the assyrian empire marked a
change for babylon
a chaldean named nabo palassa took the
throne
and created what is now known as the
neo-babylonian empire
his son nebuchadnezzar ii reigned from
605 to 562 bce
and renovated the city and created some
of the most impressive buildings
in mesopotamia including the hanging
gardens of babylon
if you believe the ancient sources
although the gardens may have never
existed all ancient sources which
mention the city
of babylon except the bible have nothing
but
admiration and awe for the remarkable
city
the ishtar gate a mammoth structure
decorated with golden images
was often mentioned with reverence as
were the immense walls
which according to some ancient sources
were wide enough to race
chariots along the tops herodotus wrote
that
nebuchadnezzar's city was 89 kilometers
or 55 miles long and that they were wide
enough
for four chariots to ride on them side
by side
while at that time most buildings were
constructed from mud brick
nebuchadnezzar decided to use fired
bricks as they were more durable
indeed nebuchadnezzar's bricks were of a
quality that
may never have been surpassed even today
it is said that much of baghdad is built
with
nebuchadnezzar's bricks and the 19th
century hindia dam
across the euphrates river was mostly
built from 2
500 year old bricks
after the death of nebuchadnezzar ii
babylon continued as an important city
under the next two rulers
nabodanidus and belshazzar but in 539
bce the neo-babylonian empire fell to
the persians
under the rule of cyrus the great after
the battle of opus
according to one account cyrus diverted
the course of the euphrates river
so it fell to a manageable depth and the
persian army could wade across
and march under the walls straight into
babylon
the persian account of this siege claims
that they took the city without a fight
but documents show repairs being needed
to some of the walls and sections of the
city
so maybe it wasn't as easy as the
persians wanted everyone to believe
babylon continued to flourish as a seat
of learning and culture
under persian rule and it was held in
great regard by cyrus the great and his
successors
so much so that they made it one of the
administrative capitals
for their empire when alexander the
great
conquered the persian empire in 331 bce
he continued to hold babylon in high
esteem
and demanded no building be damaged
the death of alexander the great in 323
bce
marked the beginning of the gradual
decline of the city of babylon
and by the time of parthian rule in the
region in 141 bce
babylon had been deserted and forgotten
what remained of the city of babylon
was swept away during the muslim
conquest of the land in 650 ce
and in time was buried beneath the sands
that is until the 17th and 18th century
ce
when european travelers began to explore
the lands
and discover artifacts of value within
the sand
the blocks with cuneiform writing and
the statues uncovered
led to an increase of interest in the
region which was encouraged by its
mention
in the bible this interest helped
develop biblical archaeology by the 19th
century ce when western institutions
sent expeditions
to uncover physical evidence to support
biblical narratives
after the archaeological work of robert
coldaway the city of babylon
the gate of the gods was remembered once
more
why do you think the bible portrays
babylon so negatively
when other ancient sources mainly praise
it
let us know what you think down in the
comments below
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