In Which Ancient Civilization Was the City of Babylon?

Babylon was a city of great significance in ancient times. It was the capital of Babylonia, which was a state located in present-day Iraq. The city is known for its remarkable contributions to the fields of mathematics and astronomy, as well as its impressive architecture and engineering.

The Rise of Babylon

The history of Babylon can be traced back to the 23rd century BC when it was a small city-state ruled by kings. However, it wasn’t until Hammurabi, the sixth king of Babylon, that the city truly rose to prominence. Hammurabi is best known for his law code, which established a set of guidelines for citizens to follow and made him one of the most famous rulers in history.

Babylonian Mathematics

The Babylonians were skilled mathematicians and made significant contributions to the field. They developed a number system based on 60 rather than 10, which is still used today for measuring time (60 seconds in a minute and 60 minutes in an hour). They also created tables for calculating square roots and solving quadratic equations.

Astronomy in Babylon

Babylonian astronomers were able to chart the positions of stars with incredible accuracy. They understood that certain stars moved across the sky at different rates and were able to predict their movements. This knowledge allowed them to create calendars with remarkable accuracy.

Babylonian Architecture

The Babylonians were also skilled architects and engineers. The most famous example of their work is the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

The gardens were built on terraces with trees and plants growing on each level. The water required for irrigation was lifted using a complex system of pumps powered by oxen.

The Fall of Babylon

Despite its many achievements, Babylon eventually fell from power. In 539 BC, the Persian king Cyrus the Great conquered the city and brought an end to the Babylonian Empire. The city remained an important center of commerce and culture for centuries after its fall, but it never regained its former glory.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Babylon was an ancient civilization that made significant contributions to mathematics, astronomy, architecture, and engineering. While the city is no longer the great power it once was, its legacy lives on through the many achievements of its people.