The Babylonian civilization lasted between the 18th and 6th centuries B.C. Babylonia was founded in 1792 B.C. under King Hammurabi. Babylonia was between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers where they flow into the Persian Gulf. The country was made up of a dozen cities. The capital of Babylonia was Babylon and the second most important city was Ur.
Babylonian scientists made important discoveries in astronomy and mathematics.
Babylonian writers composed epics and poetry. Sculptors created statues and scenes in stone and clay showing Babylonian life.
Babylon became an important trading center. They traded grain and woven cloth for wood to build furniture and ships. Their traders also brought back gold, silver, precious gems, and livestock.
Hammurabi died in 1708 B.C. and the empire began to crumble. His son tried to hold the empire together but many revolts broke out. Hammurabi's descendants ruled Babylonia for another 100 years. This was the end of the Old Babylonian empire.
In 1595 B.C. the Hittite King Mursilis I attacked and destroyed Babylon. The Kassites ruled Babylon for 400 years from 1595 B.C. to 1157 B.C.
Nebuchadnezzar II was an outstanding military leader who ruled from 605 B.C to 562 B.C. He defeated the Egyptians and controlled all of Syria and Palestine.
Nebuchadnezzar II turned Babylon into a cultural center. He restored Babylon's temples and rebuilt the seven story high ziggurat that people think is the Tower of Babel mentioned in the Bible. He also built the Hanging Gardens of Babylon considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
The New Babylonian empire lasted only about 75 years. The rulers who followed Nebuchadnezzar II did not have his military and political strength. The Babylonian empire ended when Cyrus, King of Persia conquered it in 539 B.C.
