What was the Babylonian Empire and when did it exist?

The Babylonian Empire was a powerful state in ancient Mesopotamia that existed from the 18th to the 6th century BCE. The empire was founded by King Hammurabi and was centered in the city of Babylon, located in modern-day Iraq. The Babylonian Empire was known for its advanced culture, law, and technology, and its influence can still be seen in the modern world.

Under Hammurabi, the Babylonian Empire became the dominant power in Mesopotamia, and his code of laws is still considered a landmark achievement in the history of civilization. The empire continued to thrive under subsequent rulers, including Nebuchadnezzar II, who is famous for his conquest of Jerusalem and the construction of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.

The Babylonian Empire declined in the 6th century BCE, when it was conquered by the Persian Empire. However, the legacy of the Babylonian Empire lived on through its culture, technology, and intellectual achievements.

The Babylonian Empire was an ancient empire that existed in Mesopotamia from 1894 BC to 539 BC. It was founded by the Amorite king Hammurabi, who built Babylon into a major city and declared himself its king. Southern Mesopotamia became known as Babylonia, and Babylon eclipsed Nippur as the region's holy city. The empire waned under Hammurabi's son Samsu-iluna, and Babylon spent long periods under Assyrian, Kassite and Elamite domination. After the Assyrians had destroyed and then rebuilt it, Babylon became the capital of the short-lived Neo-Babylonian Empire from 609 to 539 BC. The Hanging Gardens of Babylon ranked as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Here are some of the notable events that happened during the Babylonian Empire:

• 1894 BC: Hammurabi founds the Old Babylonian Empire.
• 1750 BC: Hammurabi's Code of Law is created.
• 1595 BC: The Hittites sack Babylon.
• 1570 BC: The Kassites conquer Babylon.
• 1158 BC: The Elamites sack Babylon.
• 626 BC: The Neo-Babylonian Empire is founded by Nabopolassar.
• 612 BC: The Neo-Babylonian Empire conquers Assyria.
• 586 BC: The Neo-Babylonian Empire conquers Judah and destroys the First Temple in Jerusalem.
• 539 BC: The Neo-Babylonian Empire is conquered by the Persian Empire.

The Babylonian Empire was a major cultural and political center in the ancient world. Its contributions to mathematics, astronomy, and literature were significant, and its influence can still be seen in the modern world.