City of Babylon: A History, c. 2000 BC - AD 116

Babylon was a city-state that became the center of a great empire, worshiping Marduk and spreading legal, administrative, and literary works throughout the ancient world. Its science laid the foundations for Greek and Arab astronomy.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 396 pages
Publication date: 08 July 2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The captivating history of Babylon spans over two millennia, evolving from a modest city-state to the epicenter of a vast ancient empire. Throughout its existence, Babylon remained a revered center of kingship, serving as the capital under the reigns of Assyria, Nebuchadnezzar, Darius, Alexander the Great, the Seleucids, and the Parthians. The awe-inspiring city walls of Babylon were designated as a Wonder of the World, while its iconic ziggurat, known as the Tower of Babel, gained fame for its architectural splendor. Visitors to modern-day Berlin can marvel at the magnificent Ishtar Gate, a testament to the city's architectural prowess. The enigmatic Hanging Garden, believed to have been the envy of the ancient world, is also explained in detail. Worship of Babylon's patron god, Marduk, spread far and wide, captivating the hearts of many. The city's well-trained scholars, renowned for their knowledge and expertise, disseminated legal, administrative, and literary works throughout the ancient world. These invaluable contributions not only shaped the legal systems of various cultures but also provided a rich backdrop to Old Testament and Hittite texts. Moreover, Babylon's scientific achievements were groundbreaking, laying the foundations for Greek and Arab astronomy through a millennium of continuous astronomical observations. This comprehensive and meticulously researched account, penned by one of the world's foremost authorities on the subject, offers a captivating glimpse into the rich tapestry of Babylonian history.

Weight: 778g
Dimension: 170 x 244 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781316501771