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Definition:
The Babylonian Empire was established by King Hammurabi in the city of Babylon after the
power of the Sumerian empire had waned. After he had secured his authority and power
in the city, he reached out and established his authority over other, neighboring cities
like Sumer and Akkad.
Hammurabi is famous today for his law code, but in addition to social laws this code also provided a basis for Babylonian authority by stating that the city god of Babylon, Marduk, had been made supreme deity by the other gods, thus establishing the supremacy of Babylon as well. The first dynasty of Babylon (c. 1792-1595) was mostly involved with preserving what was important of the previous Sumerian empire - for example, laws and religious stories.
The Babylonian Empire should not be confused with the Chaldeans, or Neo-Babylonians, who re-established Babylonian rule at a much later date, after the coming and passing of the Assyrian Empire.
Also Known As: Babylonian Exile
Alternate Spellings: none
Common Misspellings: none
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