Babylon was one of the greatest cities of the ancient world, and was the center of civilization in Mesopotamia.It was the powers that ruled by Alexander the Great.Now the ruins of long-lost its grandeur of Babylon - a hill, located near Hillah, a town in Iraq.
history
Babylon Babylon existed for about about two millennia.Its origin is attributed to the third millennium BCA thousand years after the founding of the city took possession of the Amorites, who began to found a dynasty.During the reign of Hammurabi of Babylon became the political center of the country.This situation, he kept another 1000 years.City personified "the abode of royalty," and even his god Marduk was a place of honor in the pantheon of patrons throughout Mesopotamia.From the second millennium BChere there was a marked rise - is the development of trade and crafts, the population has increased dramatically.Blossomed and the appearance of Babylon - built up areas, updated strengthening paves streets.
Year of the taking of Babylon by the Persians
middle of the 6th century BCIt becomes a time of significant change.King Cyrus II led his troops to the Persian city to conquer Babylon.Army it was equal to the Assyrian - were picked up by excellent archers and cavalry.Help from Egypt is not received, and Babylon had to find their own violent and strongly minded conquerors.
Year of the taking of Babylon by the Persians - 539 BCCyrus troops besieged the city.Residents who were once forced to move from their land, did not want to defend Babylon.Their intentions were clear - if the old government falls, it is possible that the Persians will not hold them, and they can return to their homes.Thus, the conduct of aggressive policy against the aggressive impact on residents.Even among the Babylonian nobility was talk that Cyrus II may be the best king.Priests opened the gates of the army in the hope of finding a more significant status of the people and the new government.So the Persian Empire, a new capital city - Babylon.
last Babylonian king
Persian conquest of Babylon, the capital is not overtaken by surprise.During the attack, the city had a large supply of food and could still keep the siege for a long time.King Belshazzar (about the authenticity of his name there are many historians doubt) feasts, to show that he is not afraid of Cyrus.Tables were lined with precious vessels that served cups for drinking.They were selected from the conquered peoples.There were among them, and the vessels of the temple in Jerusalem.Rulers praising the Babylonian gods who entrust their fate, because they believed that their luck will not leave and this time, despite the efforts of Cyrus and his associates in the city.
fate of Belshazzar
during one of the celebrations, where there are many nobles, and the nobles, according to legend, in the air there was a man's hand and began to slowly withdraw the word.King froze in horror at the sight of this picture.Sages were collected, but the language that was unknown to them.Then the queen advised to call Daniel - elderly prophet, which is still under Nebuchadnezzar had a reputation for wise counselor.He translated from the Aramaic phrase.Literally, it reads "Take the sum of (the end of your kingdom), weighed and given to the Persians."That same night, the Chaldean ruler overtook death.
As was taken Babylon - version
Various sources describe the various options for conquest.Year Persians taking the city of Babylon holds many uncertainties.The biblical story says (more than assumed) that after the siege of the capital was taken by assault (or use stealth).According to this version, King Belshazzar was killed during a clash with the enemy at night.Herodotus recounts stratagem shown by Cyrus.
Clinical chronicle tells of a friend - the Persian army defeated the Babylonians during the battle in the open field.Then Cyrus freely entered into the city.But in this story there is ambiguity.It can also be understood in the following way - the city lasted 4 months, and then the Persians came into it.
Government Cyrus
Year of the taking of Babylon by the Persians showed that the new king began to restore order.The city was returned images of deities, which were taken during the previous boards.It began restoration of the Temple in Jerusalem, which was destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar.The Jewish exiles were able to return to their homeland.Cyrus was planning to fight with Egypt and strengthen the boundaries of their possessions.Under his rule Jerusalem became a self-governing city of the temple, as well as Babylon, Nippur, and others.Some time helped lead the new king Cambyses - his son.Cyrus had taken the royal titles of Babylonia.Thus, he showed that he intends to continue to set policy.Cyrus was "king of the kings", that says a lot about the most power.
Year of the taking of Babylon by the Persians brought a lot of changes.After the city was conquered, the Western countries to the borders with Egypt had no choice but to submit to the new powerful ruler - Cyrus.
reunification into one big state was beneficial trade groups and merchants, who previously feared attacks on the roads.Now the whole market intermediary between East and West was in their hands.The story of Babylon, says the new capital of a great power and adjoint countries as "Babylon district."
strengthened and revived City, has become a very important political center of the new state.Cyrus not only thinking about the expansion of the territory of his kingdom in Egypt, and followed closely to the limits of its powers remained inaccessible, such as the nomadic Scythians.
