babylonierna

The Babylonians were an ancient Semitic people who inhabited the region of Babylonia in Mesopotamia. Their civilization flourished from the 2nd millennium BCE, reaching its zenith under Hammurabi and Nebuchadnezzar II. They are renowned for their significant contributions to mathematics, astronomy, law, and literature.

In mathematics, the Babylonians developed a sexagesimal (base-60) number system, which influenced later numerical systems, including our modern 60-minute hour and 360-degree circle. They were adept at solving complex algebraic equations and possessed a sophisticated understanding of geometry. Their astronomical observations were meticulous, leading to the development of a calendar and the ability to predict celestial events with remarkable accuracy.

The Babylonian legal system, most famously codified in the Code of Hammurabi, is one of the earliest known comprehensive legal texts. It established principles of justice and set precedents for future legal development. Their literary achievements include epic poems like the Enuma Elish, which provides a creation myth, and the Epic of Gilgamesh, a foundational work of world literature.

The Babylonian civilization eventually declined due to invasions and internal strife, but its cultural and intellectual legacy endured, profoundly shaping the course of human history.