BABYLON: AGE OF ADVANCEMENT
You stand in the public square, your cheek still smarting from where that peasant had struck you. But you are about to get your revenge. The peasant is now sprawled over a stretcher, with a large, burly man standing over him. He raises a whip, and brings it down. The smack reverberates all throughout the plaza. The peasant stifles a scream of pain, but his torture has only just started. You are thankful for this system of justice, as you believe it is harsh but fair. This is Hammurabi's Code. Welcome to Babylon.
BACKGROUND AND ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
The Babylonians were one of the most important early Mesopotamians due to their political and economic advances. The civilization lasted from 1792-1600 BCE
As shown in the map, the Babylonian civilization flourished in an area just north of the cities of previous civilizations. While the empire was not as large as some of the others in the region, it ran much smoother and with less unrest. Part of this was from excellent leadership, with the most famous leader being Hammurabi.
However, this location did not provide Babylonians with many natural resources. In fact, clay and bitumen were the only important resources that they did possess. This caused them to engage in widespread trade, in areas as far away as Turkey and India.
The Babylonians were one of the most important early Mesopotamians due to their political and economic advances. The civilization lasted from 1792-1600 BCE
As shown in the map, the Babylonian civilization flourished in an area just north of the cities of previous civilizations. While the empire was not as large as some of the others in the region, it ran much smoother and with less unrest. Part of this was from excellent leadership, with the most famous leader being Hammurabi.
However, this location did not provide Babylonians with many natural resources. In fact, clay and bitumen were the only important resources that they did possess. This caused them to engage in widespread trade, in areas as far away as Turkey and India.
SPOTLIGHT: HAMMURABI'S CODE AND OTHER POLITICAL ADVANCEMENTS
The most famous political advancement from the time of the Babylonians is probably Hammurabi's Code. This was a set of rules that revolved around the principle of Lex Talionis, colloquially referred to as "an eye for an eye." Principles stressed fair judgement. Examples of this include:
However, class systems were still in place. There were three main classes: Awilu (higher class), Mushkenu (lower class) and Wardu (slaves). Punishments were harsher if deeds were done to individuals in a higher class:
Another advancement that occurred during Ancient Babylon was the development of the first bureaucracy. This allowed for much more efficient rule, and many aspects from this are still in use today. Additionally, rulers took regular taxes instead of subjects having to pay a large amount at one time, reducing the economic strain.
The most famous political advancement from the time of the Babylonians is probably Hammurabi's Code. This was a set of rules that revolved around the principle of Lex Talionis, colloquially referred to as "an eye for an eye." Principles stressed fair judgement. Examples of this include:
- If a man puts out an eye of another of equal rank, then his eye will be put out also
- If a merchant increases interest on a loan beyond the legal value, then he will lose the lent value
- If a person is in debt and his fields have been flooded, then he does not have to pay any tax or interest.
- If a man strikes another man of equal rank, then he will pay one maneh in silver
However, class systems were still in place. There were three main classes: Awilu (higher class), Mushkenu (lower class) and Wardu (slaves). Punishments were harsher if deeds were done to individuals in a higher class:
- If a son strikes his father, then his forehand would be chopped off
- If a slave strikes a free man, his ear shall be cut off
Another advancement that occurred during Ancient Babylon was the development of the first bureaucracy. This allowed for much more efficient rule, and many aspects from this are still in use today. Additionally, rulers took regular taxes instead of subjects having to pay a large amount at one time, reducing the economic strain.
SPOTLIGHT: THE BABYLONIAN PANTHEON
The Babylonians possessed a mythology that was as rich in prose and storytelling as the Ancient Egyptians or Greeks. The religion was a polytheistic one, with gods that were human in form but greater in other aspects. It was in fact greatly influenced by the Sumerians.
Each god ruled a certain object or aspect - almost everything was accounted for: from a sun god to the gods of pickaxes and brick plows!
Babylonians believe the world was created by the god Marduk. In the poem called Enuma Elish, Marduk defeats the evil goddess Tiamat and for this is appointed king of the gods. Marduk then forms heaven, earth, the planets, and the humans.
Other important gods:
The Babylonians possessed a mythology that was as rich in prose and storytelling as the Ancient Egyptians or Greeks. The religion was a polytheistic one, with gods that were human in form but greater in other aspects. It was in fact greatly influenced by the Sumerians.
Each god ruled a certain object or aspect - almost everything was accounted for: from a sun god to the gods of pickaxes and brick plows!
Babylonians believe the world was created by the god Marduk. In the poem called Enuma Elish, Marduk defeats the evil goddess Tiamat and for this is appointed king of the gods. Marduk then forms heaven, earth, the planets, and the humans.
Other important gods:
- Ea: god of wisdom
- Ishtar: goddess of love and war
- Adad: god of wind
- Nabu: son of Marduk; heavenly scribe
SPOTLIGHT: SCIENTIFIC ADVANCEMENTS
In addition to the political and social complexities, the Babylonians made great scientific discoveries, and were very advanced in the field of astronomy.
Babylonian astronomers developed tables on the positions of Venus, as well as tables on the occurrence of eclipses.
Additionally, they developed the modern zodiac.
In addition to the political and social complexities, the Babylonians made great scientific discoveries, and were very advanced in the field of astronomy.
Babylonian astronomers developed tables on the positions of Venus, as well as tables on the occurrence of eclipses.
Additionally, they developed the modern zodiac.