BABYLONIANS CIVILIZATION (2700B.C.-500B.C.

The Babylonian civilization, which endured from the 18th until the 6th century BC,
was, like the Sumerian that preceded it, urban in character, although based on
agriculture rather than industry. The country consisted of a dozen or so cities,
surrounded by villages and hamlets. At the head of the political structure was the
king, a more or less absolute monarch who exercised legislative and judicial as well
as executive powers. Under him was a group of appointed governors and
administrators. Mayors and councils of city elders were in charge of local
administration. The Babylonians were Semitic Amorites who attacked and
conquered the Sumerian. They occupied the Sumerian territories in 2300 BCE and
established a new capital which they called Babylonia. One of the most remarkable
and most popular kings of the Babylonians was Hammurabi. This intelligent and
well-organized leader became the Babylonian king in 1700 BCE. He compiled all the
known laws during his time and was popularly known in history as the Code of
Hammurabi.
Here are some historic and interesting facts about the Babylonians
1. The famous Code of Hammurabi is composed of 282 written laws regarding
agriculture, industry, marriage, properties, governance and others.
2. The Code of Hammurabi was written in a huge stone tablet at the center of the
city for everyone to see. This historic code was the peoples guide on their daily
activities and undertakings.
3. The heart of Hammurabis Code is an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.
4. Babylonian army was composed of professional soldiers.
5. The Babylonian was very powerful. The king was the chief executive, the chief
justice and commander in chief of the military.
6. The council of elders from the upper class acted as judges called amelu. All
their court decisions were based primarily from the Code of Hammurabi. All
verdicts were recorded for future references.
7. Women in Babylonian society can become priests; they can sell wine and they
can establish their own business.
8. A Babylonian woman can ask dowry from her father and can ask support for life
to her husband. She also has the right to her husbands properties when the latter
died.
9. Babylonians also worshipped the gods and goddesses of the Sumerians. Their
greatest god is Marduk.

10. The frequent attacks of Kassites followed by the Hittites led to the fall of
Babylonia.
11. The Babylonians introduced to the world the use of sales contract and the used
of seal in a contract.
12. Jewelry-making originated from the Babylonians. They used metal and precious
gems in making jewelries.
13. The epics Gilgamesh and Enuna Elish were important literary pieces that helped
improved literature.
14. The Code of Hammurabi became the basis of many laws from all over the world.
15. Babylonias city capital was Babylon.
Their main contribution to modern management was their extensive set of laws &
policies for governance which has created modern management policies to govern
activities.