Babilonie

Babilonie, also known as Babylon, was an ancient city-state in southern Mesopotamia. The name derives from Akkadian Bab-Ilim, meaning “Gate of God.” The city stood on the Euphrates River near the modern town of Hillah in Iraq and served as a major political, religious, and economic center for much of the ancient Near East.

History and structure

Babylon rose to prominence under the Old Babylonian Empire, notably during the reign of Hammurabi (c. 1792–1750 BCE). It later became the capital of the Neo-Babylonian Empire (626–539 BCE), a period marked by extensive building projects, fortifications, and the enrichment of temples and palaces under rulers such as Nabopolassar and Nebuchadnezzar II. The city’s monumental ensembles, including gates, streets, and religious precincts, are well documented, though the exact locations and appearances of some structures remain debated. The famous Hanging Gardens are described in classical sources but their historic existence is uncertain.

Decline and later periods

Babylon were conquered by the Achaemenid Persian Empire when Cyrus the Great took the city in 539 BCE. It subsequently came under Hellenistic, Parthian, and Sassanian rule and slowly declined after the Islamic conquests. By late antiquity, Babylon had diminished to a modest settlement.

Archaeology and conservation

Interest in Babylon surged in the 19th and 20th centuries, with major excavations led by Robert Koldewey and teams from Germany. Finds include the ceremonial precincts, the Ishtar Gate, and remnants of walls and temples. Some artifacts are housed in major museums, and portions of the city’s layout have been recreated or interpreted in museums and parks.

World heritage

In 2019, the Ancient City of Babylon was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site faces ongoing conservation challenges from conflict, looting, and environmental pressures.