The Babylonian Empire is one of the main periods of the ancient world and was located in the region now known as Iraq, in the lands that cross the Tiger rivers and Euphrates .
Divided into two phases, it was located in the southern region of Mesopotamia. The two phases are separated by the rule of the Assyrians.
The First Babylonian Empire lasted from 1792 BC. until 1750 BC. and the so-called Neo-Babylonian from 626 BC until 539 BC. The end of the Babylonian Empire is marked by the conquests of Cyrus , the Great , when the Persian Empire begins.
First Babylonian Empire
The First Babylonian Empire was created by Hammurabi in lower Mesopotamia. Hammurabi led Babylon, controlling the largest Empire of Ur. It was the dynasty of the Amoreans , which ended in the 16th century, when the region was invaded by the Hittites. This is the context of the middle period in Babylon.
Historically, this period corresponds to the decline of Sumer and the beginning of Assyrian rule. It is a period marked by successive invasions and wars. Still, the empire is consolidated between the kingdoms of Lan and Isin, which lose geographic space to the states to the north of Mesopotamia.
The First Babylonian Period is also called the Paelobabylonian Period because it was understood at a time when the Babylonian dynasty came to dominate. In this phase, the so-called Sumerian Revival and the Assyrian rule take place.
Also in this period occurs the disposition of the Code of Hammurabi, based on the Law of Talion , and which provided rules of conduct. Among the best known and most applied is the so-called "an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth ", with punishment proportionate to the crime committed.
Second Babylonian Empire
The Second Babylonian Empire began in 612 BC. and is marked by the defeat of the Assyrians to the Chaldeans. After the death of the Assyrian king Assbanipal, who takes over is Naboplossar, father of the famous Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar , who lived between 605 BC. and 563 BC
Nebuchadnezzar
It was up to Nebuchadnezzar to transform Babylon into an important cultural center. It is also in this period that the architectural ensemble formed by the Hanging Gardens of Babylon and the Tower of Babel appears, whose reference is in the Old Testament.
The splendor of Babylon was Nebuchadnezzar's constant concern. After his death, the Second Babylonian Empire fell into decay.
Economy of the Babylonian Empire
Until the beginning of the empire, the economy in Babylon was based on agriculture. From the reign of Nebuchadnezzar, however, the work in the works became an important source of income for the population, who received for the services rendered.
In addition to agriculture and architecture, the production of flax from sheep and goat wool was also strong. The textile sector was one of the mainstays of Babylon.
Persian Empire
The Persian empire settled in the region now known as Iran between 550 BC and 330 BC. founded by Cyrus the Great, it became the greatest empire in ancient history. Their domains stretched from the Balkans to Eastern Europe.
This empire is considered a model of administration in contrast to the Greek city-states. It is formed by nomadic peoples, who after being established in Persia exhibited important military power.
To complement your research, also read:Chaldeans