"we the great neo-babylonians, guided by our noble leader Nebuchadnezzar are a society of innovative thinkers who have created advanced technologies and wondrous architecture for all the peoples of the world to marvel"
Scientific Achievements
The Neo-Babylonians were responsible for a number of important scientific advancements which contributed to the advancement of the human race.
These included:
These included:
- The advancement of mathematics and development of the Base 60 number system
- The creation of the one of the first sundials
- A great number of architectural achievements
Base 60 Number System: The Neo-Babylonians were proficient mathematicians, and they contributed greatly to the advancement of mathematics. The greatest of these contributions was the Base 60 number system. This refers to using 60 as a base for organising numbers, We still use the Base 60 system today, in time (hours, minutes and seconds) and in angles (degrees). The Neo-Babylonians favoured the Base 60 system because it has ten proper divisors (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 12, 15, 20, 30) and makes calculations much easier, whereas the base 10 system that we commonly use today has only two (2, 5). The Neo-Babylonians developed a useful place-value system and Babylonian numerals were used to record numbers which can be seen left.
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Sundial: The sundial is an ancient instrument used to measure the time of day using the sun. One of the earliest sundials was developed by the Neo-Babylonians and this contributed greatly to the way time is measured today. The Neo-Babylonian sundial works by drawing a circle in the ground which is then divided into twelve equal sectors (just as we do today on a clock-face). A rod angled at the centre of this circle would form a shadow on the circle, where the time could be read off. The development of this sundial has impacted greatly on society today in that the development of modern time keeping has stemmed from this discovery.
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Architecture: The Neo-Babylonians were responsible for some of the great architecture of the ancient world. The city of Babylon was considered a wondrous city which had many grand pieces of architecture. Babylonian architecture thrived under Nebuchadnezzar II and he oversaw the rebuilding of the city after many years of foreign rule. Babylon had large city gates, which consisted of glazed colourful bricks. A great example of this is the Ishtar gate, which consists mainly of bricks deep blue in colour. Another example of Neo-Babylonian architecture is the famed Hanging Gardens of Babylon. These gardens, in which Nebuchadnezzar II build for his homesick wife, consisted of many terraces and a complicated watering system connected to the Euphrates river. However, a historical debate exists into the precise location of these hanging gardens, with some historians arguing that they were built in the ancient city of Ninevah.
Economic System |
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The Neo-Babylonians relied upon a system of both manufacturing and trade in order to ensure their economic prosperity. Since the land was very fertile, farming was a main source of income for many Babylonians. Some of the main crops included barley, wheat and various fruits and vegetables. Animals such as sheep and cattle were also bred and sold as a source of income. Goods such as various textiles and rugs were also produced by artisans and used for trade.
A barter system of trade existed in Neo-Babylonia with silver being the standard metal of exchange and this was controlled by the king. A standard set of weights (left) were used to ensure accurate transactions. Trade with foreign nations was also commonplace. Due to Babylons central nature, it was a centre of trade in the region. Merchants would travel between Babylonia and other nations including Egypt, Persia and India in order to buy and sell various goods. Taxes were also an important part of the economic system in Neo-Babylonia. Taxes were the main source of state revenue and could be incurred in three ways:
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Resources
Suggested Activities
- Choose an invention of the Neo-Babylonians and chart its development as a timeline to explain how it is relevant to 21st century citizens.
- Split your class into two groups. One group will research evidence for the Hanging Gardens existing in Babylon and the other group will research evidence for the Hanging Gardens existing elsewhere. Conduct a debate allowing students to argue their views with supporting evidence.
- Allow students to create their own sundial, using the method described above.
References
Ishtar Gate: Jarus, O. (2014). Ishtar Gate: Grand Entrance to Babylon. Retrieved October 4, 2015, from Live Science: http://www.livescience.com/43036-ishtar-gate.html
Base Ten Number System: Numberphile: 60 (2012) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9m2jck1f90.
Ancient History Encyclopedia: Babylon. (n.d.). Retrieved October 9, 2015. http://www.ancient.eu/babylon/
Hanging Gardens of Babylon Article: Coping, J. (2013). Pictured: the 'real site' of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Retrieved October 4, 2015, from The Telegraph: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/earth/environment/archaeology/10470443/Pictured-the-real-site-of-the-Hanging-Gardens-of-Babylon.html
Base Ten Number System: Numberphile: 60 (2012) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9m2jck1f90.
Ancient History Encyclopedia: Babylon. (n.d.). Retrieved October 9, 2015. http://www.ancient.eu/babylon/
Hanging Gardens of Babylon Article: Coping, J. (2013). Pictured: the 'real site' of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Retrieved October 4, 2015, from The Telegraph: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/earth/environment/archaeology/10470443/Pictured-the-real-site-of-the-Hanging-Gardens-of-Babylon.html