Babylon, long history of legends & heroism

Babylon is situated 90 KM. South of Baghdad, 10KM. North of Hilla. A legendary city in ancient history; Babylon is mentioned prominently in the Bible as well as in the writings of travelers and historians for its wealth and magnificence. Its walls and hanging Gardens were one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

In Akkadian times, around 2350 BC, Babylon was a small village which in five or six centuries had grown in size and importance, mostly during the reign of the Third Dynasty, until it became the capital of the famous King, law-giver and social reformer Hammuraby (1792 - 1750 BC).

In the next thousand years or so it witnessed the growth of other Mesopotamian cities which surpassed it in power and influence until, in the 2^nd Chadean Kingdom (625 - 538) BC, it flourished again as the capital of a mighty and prosperous country. King Nabuchudnezzer (605-563B.C) rebuilt it in accordance with a new plan that took a special care of its fortifications, and Babylon thus became the largest and loveliest city of its time.

As he was pursuing his conquests, Alexander the Great stopped for a time in Babylon. He later returned only to die in it in 322 BC.

Seleucus, one of his commanders and successors, built Seleucia, south of Babylon, whereupon Babylon lost its political significance.