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Table of Contents
Babylon
The 60-system in astronomy
The Sumerians and Babylonians used the 60-system in astronomy. This system is still used today, as evidenced by the notation of the time as 8:30 rather than 8.5. 1)
The Hanging Gardens
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon are one of the more interesting wonders of the ancient world. This is evidenced by the fact that although the hanging gardens have captured the imagination of the world for over 2000 years, today we have no evidence that they even existed. Not a single one of the ancient documents of Babylon (now the site of Iraq) mentions hanging gardens. Even though archaeologists have excavated the city, no trace of their existence has been found. 2)
The Code of Hammurabi
The Code of Hammurabi was one of the earliest and most influential recorded sets of laws. This well-preserved code of laws of ancient Mesopotamia dates to about 1754 BC. 3)
Capturing Babylon without a fight
In 538 BC Cyrus king of Persia captured Babylon without a fight. He changed the course of the Euphrates River and through the dry riverbed led his troops into the empty and open city. 4)
Marduk
The most important god of the Babylonian pantheon was Marduk. He patronized magic, wisdom, water, and judgment. The month of Arashamnu and the number 10 were dedicated to him. 5)