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The Babylonian King Nabonidus
This is a detail of a Babylonian basalt stele. Here the figure of the king, Nabonidus was carved in relief on the obverse side of the stele. The king stands and wears a conical headdress as well as a long fringed garment. The right hand is...
Definition
Mesopotamian Warfare
Ancient Mesopotamian warfare progressed from companies of a city's militia in Sumer to the professional standing armies of Akkad, Babylon, Assyria, and Persia and from conflicts over land or water rights to wars of conquest and political...
Definition
Mesopotamian Government - Helping and Serving the Gods
Ancient Mesopotamian government was based on the understanding that human beings were created to help and serve the gods. The high priest, king, assembly of elders, governors, and any other officials were recognized as stewards chosen by...
Definition
Gurjara-Pratihara Empire
The Gurjara-Pratiharas, or simply, the Pratiharas (8th century CE - 11th century CE) held their sway over western and northern India. This dynasty saw its fortunes rising under Nagabhata I (730–760 CE) who successfully defeated Arab invaders...
Video
A Day in the Life of an Ancient Babylonian Business Mogul
Follow Beltani, a Babylonian priestess and businesswoman, as she investigates who is undermining her barley fields and tavern. — It's 1762 BCE. As dawn breaks in the Babylonian city of Sippar, Beltani— a priestess and businesswoman—...
Definition
Hanging Gardens of Babylon
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon were the fabled gardens which beautified the capital of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, built by its greatest king Nebuchadnezzar II (r. 605-562 BCE). One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, they are the only...
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Assyrian Relief Showing Babylonian Prisoners
Assyrian alabaster panel showing Babylonian prisoners in a camp, from the North Palace at Nineveh, Northern Mesopotamia, modern-day Iraq, Neo-Assyrian Empire, reign of Ashurbanipal II, 668-630 BCE. To the left, an Assyrian soldier stands...
Article
Cortés & the Fall of the Aztec Empire
The Aztec empire flourished between c. 1345 and 1521 CE and dominated ancient Mesoamerica. This young and warlike nation was highly successful in spreading its reach and gaining fabulous wealth, but then all too quickly came the strange visitors...
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Mesopotamian Art and Architecture - The Birth of Art and Architecture in the Ancient World
Ancient Mesopotamian art and architectural works are among the oldest in the world, dating back over 7,000 years. The works first appear in northern Mesopotamia prior to the Ubaid period (circa 6500-4000 BCE) and then developed in the south...
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Babylonian Statue of Enki
A statue of Ea, the Akkadian god of water (related to the Sumerian god Enki). Ea is enthroned and holds a cup in his left hand, the right hand has been lost to time. He is accompanied by two creatures (half human and half fish) reclining...