| Babylon (in contemporary Iraq) was actually two empires
-- the Old Empire (2000 - 1270 BC) and the New Empire/Chaldean
Empire (606-536 BC).
The Old Babylonian Empire was first mentioned about 2300 BC.
Its most famous king, Hammurabi (1728 BC-1686 BC), was known for his harsh
code of justice - the Code
of Hammurabi. Babylon grew and prospered under Hammurabi’s reign. After
his death, however, weak rulers followed and the Empire ultimately became
subject to the Assyrians
(885 - 607 BC). It was during that period that the Assyrians also conquered
and took into captivity the northern kingdom of Israel, from which the
"Lost Ten Tribes" never returned (2
Kings 17:1-23, NKJV).
The New Babylonian Empire rose about 626 BC under the military
leadership of Nebopolassar. Allied with the Medians, Nebopolassar was able
to bring about the fall of the Assyrian Empire. His successor and son,
Nebuchanezzar II (reigning 605-562 BC, of Daniel fame), extended the empire,
rebuilding the capital Babylon and its "Hanging
Gardens." It was Nebuchanezzar (2
Kings 24:13-14; 2 Kings 25:1-17 NKJV) who devastated Jerusalem (southern
kingdon of Judah), looted and burned the original Temple built by Solomon,
and took the people away into what became known as the "Babylonian Exile."
(606
- 586 BC, conquest of Jerusalem)
To learn more:
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