Craig S00145287 and Matt S00148719
AIM
The aim of this unit is to critically analyse the rise and influence of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. This will be achieved through looking at archaeological evidence and historical sources. Through the study of this unit, students will be encouraged to engage with wider historical debates regarding this period in Ancient History. By the end of this unit, students will have developed critical thinking and be able to contribute to contemporary debates.
The aim of this unit is to critically analyse the rise and influence of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. This will be achieved through looking at archaeological evidence and historical sources. Through the study of this unit, students will be encouraged to engage with wider historical debates regarding this period in Ancient History. By the end of this unit, students will have developed critical thinking and be able to contribute to contemporary debates.
Case Study: Babylonia
Students learn about:
Students learn about:
- The emergence of the Second Babylonian empire, its geopolitical position and the geography of the region it inhabited
- Babylonian innovations and advancements in the fields of astronomy, medicine, architecture and mathematics
- Babylonian philosophy and literature, such as the epic of Gilgamesh and how these writings influence other ancient societies
- Babylonian society and the classes that were present within it and what rights and responsibilities each group possessed.
- The role of women within Babylonian society and the family, as well as laws concerning the family and the rights of women.
- Babylonian culture, including the educational system that was present as well as the cuisine.
- The conquest of Nebuchadnezzar and how the battle of Carchemish and the siege of Jerusalem allowed the Babylonians to conqueror the ancient Near East
- The political and administration aspects of Babylon, including how taxes were payed, how resources were disrupted and the role and significance of the King.
- The gods worship by the Babylonians, what roles they played and what functions the priest caste had in Babylonian society.
- The Fall of Babylonian and the archaeological evidence for Babylon, including the different stages of the uncovering of the city and how it developed the field of Archaeology.
Focus Questions
- What events led to the rise of the Neo-Babylonian Empire and how important factors such as geography were in the creation of the Empire
- How did Babylonian society function and how did it impact on the everyday life of those who lived during this period
- How did Babylonian inventions effect the Ancient world and how influence did they have, focusing mainly on science and maths
- How significant was Babylonian culture to the Ancient world and the Near East, focusing on the aspects of literature, religion and archaeology.