Babylon Facts & Worksheets

• One of Hammurabi’s most famous achievements was the Code of Hammurabi, which was one of the earliest written law codes in history. It included 282 laws that covered different parts of life, such as trade, family relationships, property, and crimes. These laws were carved onto a stone stele and displayed publicly so people could see them. The idea was to create order and fairness, although the punishments were not equal for everyone and depended on social status.
• Even though Hammurabi’s empire did not last long after his death, his rule marked an important turning point. He helped establish Babylon as a political and legal centre, and his law code influenced later legal systems. Because of him, Babylon became more than just a city—it became a symbol of order and authority in the ancient world.

SOCIETY AND CULTURE

• Babylonian society was organised into different social classes, and this structure affected how people lived. At the top was the king, who ruled both politically and religiously. Below him were nobles, priests, and officials who helped run the government. Then there were merchants, craftsmen, and scribes, who played important roles in the economy and administration. Most people, however, were farmers and labourers, while enslaved individuals were at the bottom of the social hierarchy.
• Religion was a central part of life in Babylon. The people believed in many gods, each controlling different aspects of nature and human life. One of the most important gods was Marduk, who was considered the protector of the city. Temples were built to honour these gods, and religious ceremonies were held regularly. Etemenanki, meaning “temple of the foundation of heaven and earth”, was built for the Babylon god Marduk. People believed that keeping the gods happy was necessary for survival and success.
• Priests had an important role in society because they managed religious rituals and also helped control economic resources. Temples acted as centres of both religion and economy. They owned land, employed workers, and stored goods. In some ways, they even functioned like banks. This shows how religion was not separate from daily life but deeply connected to it.
• Education was also valued, especially for those who became scribes. These students learned how to write in cuneiform, which was used for recording laws, business deals, literature, and scientific observations. Writing was done on clay tablets, and many of these tablets have survived until today. Because of scribes, a lot of Babylonian knowledge was preserved.
• Daily life in Babylon was quite active. Farmers worked in the fields, craftsmen created goods like pottery and jewellery, and merchants traded in busy markets. Families were very important, and there were laws that governed marriage, inheritance, and responsibilities. Overall, Babylon had a complex society that allowed it to function as a large and organised city.

MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS AND LEGACY

• Babylon became famous for its architecture and city planning. It was surrounded by large defensive walls and filled with impressive structures such as temples, palaces, and gates. One of the most well-known structures was the Ishtar Gate, which served as a grand entrance to the city. It was decorated with bright blue bricks and images of animals, which made it both beautiful and symbolic.
• Another structure often linked to Babylon is the Hanging Gardens, which were considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. According to descriptions, the gardens had layers of plants and trees that seemed to hang in the air. However, historians are still not completely sure if the gardens actually existed in Babylon or somewhere else. Still, the story shows how impressive people thought the city was.
• Babylon also made important contributions to science. Its scholars studied mathematics and astronomy, developing systems to measure time and track planets. They used a base-60 number system, which is still seen today in how we measure time and angles. They also made predictions about celestial events, which shows their advanced understanding of the sky.