What Is The History Of Babylon?

Babylon was an ancient city in what is present-day Iraq (previously known as Mesopotamia) and was situated approximately 80km from Baghdad. Although there are no precise dates available, it is believed that Babylon was formed before 2300 BC and it grew into the world's largest city by 1170 BC, with a total population of approximately 200,000.

Babylon was ruled by Assyria for several centuries and by the Persians from 539 BC, when Cyrus the Great conquered the area. Alexander the Great then took control of the region, after 331 BC, beginning a period of Hellenistic rule. The city, however, eventually entered a period of decline, due to the constant instability of invasions, revolts and conquests and it appears as though Babylon became largely uninhabited by about 275 BC.

It is possible to visit the remains of Babylon, although many of the ruins were reconstructed by Iraq's former president, Saddam Hussein, during the 1980s. Some people have been critical of the reconstruction efforts, as Saddam is said to have asked that his name be inscribed in the brick walls of several buildings.

Babylon probably has the most intriguing and interesting history among all the nations of the world. Babylon was once part of the legendary Mesopotamian Empire and has had more than its fair share of invasions and rulers. The nation flourished and thrived under the leadership provided by King Hammurabi and in fact, the 'code of law' is a product of his reign.

Babylon was home to some of the famous astronomers and mathematicians. It was incessantly invaded by various tribes for its riches and advanced practices. The 'holy city', which is what Babylon means, was not spared by the fierce Hitties of the north-west or the gentler Persians or the ambitious Macedonians. The motive however, was always to covet a land of strategic location and so unique in culture.

The history of Babylon is not contained to the era of territorial expansion and genius. The land is very much a part of recent history also. The effort of Saddam Hussein of Iraq (Mesopotamia of the yesteryears) to build upon the ruins of this ancient city is no secret. The land is holy to the Muslims and Christians and has a special mention in their holy books. Saddam Hussein nearly succeeded in renaming an important ziggurat ruin the 'Saddam Hill'. There is evidence that he attempted to rebuild upon the ruins, with bricks that had his name inscribed on them, just like Hammurabi had used. Babylon will certainly continue to lure many an ambitious man to try and covet its rich store of natural resources.