How did the Babylonians contribute to the development of Mesopotamian civilization?

The Babylonians made significant contributions to the development of Mesopotamian civilization, especially in the areas of law, mathematics, astronomy, and literature. Their empire, which was centered in the city of Babylon, lasted from the 18th century BCE until the 6th century BCE.

The Babylonians are known for creating the Code of Hammurabi, one of the earliest known legal codes. It was a set of laws and punishments that were created to govern society and ensure justice. The code was inscribed on a stele and displayed in public for all to see. It covered a wide range of topics, from property rights to marriage and divorce.

The Babylonians also made significant advances in mathematics. They developed a system of writing numbers that was based on the number 60, which is why we have 60 seconds in a minute and 60 minutes in an hour. They also developed algebraic equations and used them to solve practical problems.

The Babylonians were also skilled astronomers. They recorded the movements of the stars and planets and were able to predict eclipses and other astronomical events. They created a calendar based on the phases of the moon and the cycles of the sun.

Babylonian literature was also highly developed. They created epic poems, hymns, and other works of literature that have survived to this day. The most famous of these is the Epic of Gilgamesh, which tells the story of a king who goes on a quest for eternal life.