Babylon was one of the most important cities in ancient Mesopotamia, a region that covers the current territories of Iraq, Syria and parts of Turkey and Iran. Mesopotamia is considered the cradle of civilization, as it was there that the first forms of writing emerged, political organization, religion, mathematics, law, among other innovations that shaped human culture.
The history of Babylon is intertwined with the history of Mesopotamia, as the city was the center of several empires that dominated the region in different periods. The first Babylonian empire was founded by Hammurabi, around 1800 BC, who unified the city-states of Mesopotamia under his rule and created the famous Code of Hammurabi, one of the first written laws in history.
The second Babylonian empire was established by Nebuchadnezzar II, around 600 BC, who expanded his domains to Palestine and Egypt, and built architectural wonders such as the Hanging Gardens of Babylon and the Tower of Babel.
The third Babylonian empire was formed by Nabonidus, around 550 BC, who restored the city's power after a period of decline, but was defeated by the Persians of Cyrus the Great, who conquered Mesopotamia in 539 BC.
Babylon was a city of great splendor and wealth, but also of many conflicts and violence. The city has been the scene of wars, invasions, rebellions, looting and destruction throughout its history. The city was gradually abandoned after Persian domination, and its archaeological remains were only rediscovered in the 19th century. Babylon left an immense cultural legacy for humanity, and its memory still inspires admiration and fascination.