in the history of mankind there are many semi-legendary periods.There was then a city of the kingdom and sometimes shrouded in a whole host of myths and legends.Even professional archaeologists and historians have enough little data relating to the times, not to mention the average citizen.Do you know when the Babylonian kingdom was formed?
Babylon - a city of biblical proportions, it consistently mention almost all the eminent thinkers, scientists and military leaders of those years, but the history of this wonderful monument of ancient civilizations tells much less.In order to dispel the mystery of this story, we have prepared this article.Read and find out!
Background of
in XIX-XX centuries BC collapsed Sumerian Akkadian kingdom, which is on the territory of Mesopotamia.As a result of its collapse formed many other smaller states.
Lars City in the north immediately declared himself an independent.On the Euphrates River formed the kingdom of Mari, Ashur arose on the Tigris, in the valley of the Diyala appeared Eshnunna state.It was then that began the rise of the city of Babylon, whose name can be translated as the Gate of God.Then ascended to the throne Amoritskaya (first Babylonian) dynasty.Historians believe that its representatives have ruled in the period between 1894 to 1595 years BC.It is no accurate data, but its founder is considered to be the king Sumuabuma.That's when the formed the Babylonian kingdom.Of course, in those days before the full flowering and power he was still far away.
Benefits
Babylon favorably with many of its neighbors, its position: it is equally well suited for defense and for the expansion of the territory of the warring kingdoms.It is located in the place where the majestic Tiger merged with the Euphrates.It was full of water, which is used in irrigation systems, immediately agreed the most important trade artery that time.
heyday of the city associated with the name of the famous Hammurabi (1792-1750 gg. BC. E.), Who was not only talented managers, but also a scientist, astronomer, general and sophist.First, he concludes a military alliance with Larsen to have a free hand to attack the south of the city.Soon Hammurabi concludes treaty of alliance with Marie, where at that time the rules set up friendly to him the king Zimrilim.With the help of the ruler of Babylon completely defeated and subjugated Eshnunna.Simply put, the Babylonian kingdom was formed in the period from XX to XIX century BC, then quickly began to gain weight in the political niche at the time.
After that Marie was not needed Hammurabi he broke an alliance treaty and attacked yesterday possession partner.At first he was able to quickly subdue the city, and even Zimlirim remained on his throne.But then that did not like to be a pawn, so he rebelled.In response, Babylon is not only re-conquered the city, but also leveled the walls and the palace of the ruler.In the North, by the time he remained a powerful once Assyria, but its rulers immediately pleaded governors of Babylon.
That's when the Babylonian kingdom was formed in the modern sense of the word.It was big and powerful, its rulers privechali scientists, engineers and architects, philosophers and physicians.
Hammurabi
But the king of the kingdom of Babylon Hammurabi largely known not by their conquests, and the body of laws that are issued personally:
- In the case where the builder, built a house, made it bad, and the building collapsed, killingits owner, the builder should be executed.
- doctor, made an unsuccessful operation, deprived of the right hand.
- free man, took refuge in his house servant, would be executed.
These laws Babylonian Empire were carved on the huge basalt columns that stood in all parts of the kingdom of Babylon.
What was the rise of Babylon?
during this ruler in those parts rapidly began to develop agriculture.Great strides scientists Babylon made in irrigation desert lands: one of the channels has been so great that it is respectfully called "River of Hammurabi."
no less vigor going formation cattle.In the state there are more and more artisans.It is growing and expanding domestic and international trade.In particular, at the time it was this country it has become a major center for the export of expensive leather, oil and dates.On the domestic market as the river flowed metals, ceramics and slaves.In short, the Babylonian kingdom flourished under Hammurabi.
Social features
believed that there were three social categories.Firstly, free people.This layer was called "Avelumi", which means "man".Children free people up to age called "March of Abel" - "child rights".This social stratum could belong to the artisan, warrior, merchant and government clerk.In short, any caste prejudices were not the laws of the kingdom of Babylon states that could easily be any.
was another class of dependent people (not slaves!), Which is called "mushkenum" - "leaning down".This is the "employees".Simply put, it was dependent on the people who worked on the royal land.Do not confuse them with the slaves: the "leaning" were the property of their right to defend in court, they had their own slaves.
Finally, lower stratum of society, without which the kingdom of Babylon could not do - slaves vardum.These could be reached in the following ways:
- If a person was a prisoner of war.
- debtors who could not pay its debts.
- which have become slaves upon conviction (for some serious offenses).
Feature Babylonian slaves was that they could have some property.If a slave owner had children by his slave, they (with the consent of the father) could very well be his official heir to give the status of a free man.Simply put, in contrast to the same ancient India, Babylon slaves could hope for real improvement in their social status.A debtor who has worked duty again becomes free.A valuable prisoner could buy their freedom.Worse were criminals who, with rare exceptions, became slaves for life.
state structure
King, who headed the State had "divine" absolute power.He himself belonged to the order of 30-50% of all land in the country.The king could not care for their own use, and could rent.During the execution of the king's commandment and the law allowing the royal court.
was responsible for collecting taxes taxable Office.They are charged with silver, as well as natural products - such as grain.Braley taxes cattle, craft products.To ensure the unquestioning obedience of royal power, government troops used heavy and light warriors, and redum bairum.Ever since the formation of the kingdom of Babylon was the city of Babylon has always attracted professional soldiers: they are favored, they receive honor and respect.It is no wonder that even in a period of decline of the state army was able to delay the fall of the country for a long time.
For service good soldier could easily get a house with a garden, a considerable piece of land and cattle.He is paying for it is only a working service.Babylon trouble from the start became a giant bureaucracy, whose members watched over the execution of orders of the king on the ground.Officials sovereign shakkanakku had to organize the effective interaction of the royal administration and local government.The latter include community councils and elders councils, rabianumy.
Religion tended to monotheism: despite the existence of different-sized deities, there was one chief god - Marduk, who was regarded as the creator of all things, was responsible for the fate of people, animals and plants, for all the kingdom of Babylon.
first fall
During the reign of the son of Hammurabi, Samsu-iluny (1749-1712 gg. BC. E.), Have already started to increase dramatically internal contradictions.From the south, the government began to restrict the Elamites who captured the city of the Sumerians, one after another.Yixing City declared independence and the king Ilumailu became the founder of a new dynasty.In the Northwest there is also a new state - of Mitanni.
It was a heavy blow, since Babylon was cut off from the most important trade routes that led to Asia Minor and the Mediterranean coast.Finally, regularly began raiding militant tribes kassits.In general, the whole history of the kingdom of Babylon demonstrates that the weakened state immediately turns prey stronger and more fortunate neighbors.
point in 1595 BC.e.We put the Hittites, who routed the army and captured Babylon.So ended the Old Babylonian period, which lasted only three hundred years.The first dynasty ceased to exist.Babylonian kingdom began to form "Kassite sample."
Kassite dynasty
themselves Kassites came from a variety of mountain tribes, which intensified after the death of Hammurabi immediately.Around 1742 BC.e.their leader Gandash invaded the kingdom and immediately declared himself "King of the four corners of the world."But in reality, to subdue the whole kingdom from kassits happened only after the successful campaign of the Hittites.They immediately brought a lot to the military doctrine of Babylon, began to actively use the cavalry.But in agriculture began some stagnation.Conquerors favorably received rich and ancient Babylonian culture.
Moreover, the king was able to return Agum second statue of the god Marduk Tsarpanit and goddesses, who had been captured by the Hittites.Kassites rulers proved to be excellent, in which actively built and restored temples, fast-paced culture and science.Pretty soon they were completely assimilated by the Babylonians.
However, politicians and soldiers, they were not too good.The ancient kingdom of Babylon quickly becomes dependent on Egypt, and soon - and the state of Mitanni with Hittite.Quickly developing Assyria, whose troops are already in the XIII century BC Kassite Babylon cause a number of painful defeats.In 1155 the dynasty conquerors also ceased to exist, having lost the Assyrians.
interim period, the reign of Nebuchadnezzar First
Assyrians, who closely watched their decrepit neighbor, did not fail to take advantage of its increasing weakness.We helped them and aspirations Elamites, who regularly have begun to invade Babylon.Already in the middle of the XII century BC, they were able to break down their resistance, and the last king of the Kassites, Enlil-Nadine-ahhe proved captured.Elamites at that time continued to make military campaigns in other parts of the country.
former for some time an independent city of Yixing in that time managed to save power, and therefore took the baton in the fight against enemy invasion.The peak of his power was the reign of King Nebuchadnezzar of I (1126-1105 gg. BC. E.), Which once again led to the flourishing of power (short-term).Near the fortress Der Elamites his troops inflicted heavy defeats, and then invading Elam, enslaved him.
Fighting Arameans
Around the middle of the XI century BC Aramaic nomadic tribes have become the bane of the Babylonians and Assyrians.In the face of this danger several times bitter rivals merged to form a strong military alliances.Despite this, the enterprising Aramaeans after three centuries managed to settle permanently in the north-western borders of the kingdom of Babylon.
However, not all the families brought many problems.Around the same time in the life of the state began to play a significant role the people of the Chaldeans.In the centuries they lived on the shores of the Persian Gulf, in the lower reaches of the Euphrates and the Tigris.Already in the ninth century, they firmly occupied the southern part of the kingdom of Babylon and began to move to the south, gradually assimilating to the Babylonians.Like the Kassites in the recent past, they preferred to engage in herding and hunting.Agriculture plays in their lives much smaller role.
In those years, the country was divided into 14 districts.Starting from the XII century BC Babylon again became the capital.As before, the king had his hands on vast plots of land, which gifts to soldiers for their service.In the army, in addition to the traditional infantry, began to play a huge role cavalry and chariots department, which at that time was extremely effective on the battlefield.But the boundaries of the kingdom of Babylon had already begun to attack the old enemies ...
Assyrian invasion
Since the end of the IX century for its again came from the Assyrians, are increasingly interfering in the country.Assyria herself gradually acquired the features of a powerful and strong state.In the middle of VII century BC their king Tiglath-Pileser third invades the northern frontiers of Babylon, causing severe injury to the Chaldeans.In 729, the kingdom has once again turned out to be fully captured.
However, the Assyrians (contrary to his wont) kept the separate status of Babylon.But in the time of Sargon II at them for some time they lost control of the newly conquered lands.This is due to the fact that the sovereign Chaldean Marduk-APLA-iddin declared himself sole king of the country, capturing its capital.He allied himself with the Elamites, their recent enemies.First, the Allies were successful, but soon Sargon heavily wounded and angry occurred, sent his best troops to suppress the rebellion, and then he was crowned in Babylon finally consolidated his royal status.
700-703 In the early years of restless Marduk-APLA-iddin tried again to go against Assyria, but this time his idea anything good for the country is not over.In 692 BC.e enters the realm of the military alliance with the Aramean and Elamites.At the Battle of Halule Assyrians and Babylonians suffered equally heavy casualties, the apparent success was neither one of the parties.
But two years later the king of Assyria gave Sinanhherib siege of Babylon.A year later, the city fell and began a terrible massacre.Most of the residents were killed, the others become slaves.The once majestic capital was completely ruined and flooded.At the time the map was a bit Babylonian kingdom, the state has ceased to exist.But not for long.
Recovery Babylon
soon ascended to the throne successor Sinanhheriba, Esarhaddon, which is not too welcomed the "excesses" of his predecessor.The new king not only commanded to restore the ruined city, and freed many of its residents and told them to go home.
King became Shamash-shum-ukin who ruled on the rights of the governor.But in the year 652, and he would have a universal power, an alliance with the Arabs, Aramaeans, and Elamites, and then again declares war on Assyria.The battle took place at the castle again and again Der convincing victory could not win one.Assyrians went to the trick: staging a coup d'etat in Al, they brought a powerful ally of the Babylonian system.Then they laid siege to Babylon in 648 BCE staged a brutal massacre of all the surviving inhabitants.
fall of Assyria and Babylon, New
Despite this, the desire to relieve the oppression of cruel Assyrians unabated.Around 626 BC, broke another uprising, which stood at the head of Chaldean Nabopolassar (Nabu-APLA-usur).Once again he made an alliance with Elam, has recovered after the wiles of the Assyrians, after which the allied forces still managed to strike a common enemy a number of serious injuries.In October 626, the Babylonian Nabopolassar recognized know then he was crowned in the city, founding a new dynasty.
But to capture the first major city - Uruk - the rebels was only after 10 years.They immediately tried to capture the Assyrian Ashur, but success is not achieved.Help came from not waiting.In 614, the Assyrian capture of provinces began Medes, Babylonians which soon formed an alliance.Already in the year 612 of them, the Scythians and Medes besieged Nineveh, the capital of the enemy.The city fell, and all its inhabitants were massacred.Since then, the borders of the kingdom of Babylon under Hammurabi second was to expand rapidly.
In 609 BC, were defeated remnants of the Assyrian army.The 605th Babylonians successfully seize Syria and Palestine, which at the time claimed Egypt.Then ascended the throne of Babylon Nebuchadnezzar II.By 574 BC.e he was able to capture Jerusalem and Tyre.The era of prosperity.It was then laid the famous Hanging Gardens, an incredibly developed science, architecture and politics.
