What Are the Contributions of Babylonians to Civilization?
Some of the major contributions of the Babylonian Empire to civilization include building the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, considered as one of the ancient seven world wonders; fashioning jewelry; using contracts for commercial transactions; developing two significant literary pieces; and establishing the Code of Hammurabi, which became the foundation for many existing laws in modern times. Babylon, serving as the capital of the empire, was a powerful city-state in the ancient region of Mesopotamia.
The Babylonian Empire was one of two new empires that emerged and gained prominence after the downfall of the Akkadian Empire. The Semitic Amorites of Babylon were known to have originated the craft of jewelry-making by using precious stones and metals. At the heart of their economy was forming sales contracts and validating their business dealings with seals. The Babylonians are also noted for producing the epics of Gilgamesh and Enuma Elish, two of the oldest literary works that are still being studied today.
Perhaps the most famous among the Amorites was Hammurabi. He wielded his power with intelligence and a firm hand. Within a short period of ascending the throne, he successfully united the vast majority of the Mesopotamian territories. Hammurabi is chiefly renowned for compiling the first written set of laws, known as the Code of Hammurabi, which encompassed the various aspects of life during that time.
