Study Notes on the Late Babylonian Period and its Context

Introduction to the Late Babylonian Period

• Timeframe: 680 - 605 B.C.E.

• Historical Context:

  • Middle Bronze Age: Noted for the Old Babylonian Period, focusing on the 1st Babylonian Dynasty (Amorite), prominently featuring Hammurabi.

  • Late Bronze Age: Corresponds to the Middle Babylonian Period with notable figures like the 3rd Dynasty (Kassites).

Overview of Babylonian Dynasties

• The Late Babylonian Period, spanning about 500 years, includes 6 separate dynasties:

  • 1st Babylonian Dynasty (Amorite)

  • 2nd Babylonian Dynasty (Sealand)

  • 3rd Babylonian Dynasty (Kassite)

  • 4th Babylonian Dynasty (Isin)

  • 5th Babylonian Dynasty (Sealand)

  • 6th Babylonian Dynasty (Kassite)

  • 7th to 9th and finally, 10th Babylonian Dynasty (Chaldean)

• Periods:

  • Old Babylonian Period: 2004 – 1595 B.C.E.

  • Middle Babylonian Period: 1594 – 1005 B.C.E.

  • Late Babylonian Period: 1004 – 539 B.C.E.

Babylonian Culture and Mathematics

• Continued emphasis on knowledge, learning, and wisdom throughout Babylonian history.

• Deep commitment to mathematics, astronomy, and astrology.

  • Mathematical System:

  • Inherited from the Sumerians, described as sexagesimal (base 60).

  • Contrasts with modern base 10 systems.

  • Real-World Applications:

  • Our timekeeping methods (60 minutes in an hour, 60 seconds in a minute)

  • The division of a circle into 360 degrees derives from this system.

The Curious Babylonians

• Example of Babylonian mathematics:

  • A mathematical tablet showcases the calculation of the square root of 2:

  • Cuneiform numbers etched: 1, 24, 51, 10

  • Decimal equivalent: 1.4142129

• Visualization:

  • Tablet features a square with intersecting diagonal lines, sourced from the Yale Babylonian Collection, item no. 7289.

Babylon's Relationship with Assyria

• Babylon's predicament of being adjacent to the powerful Assyrian Empire.

  • For much of the Iron Age, fell under Neo-Assyrian control.

  • In the 9th and 8th Centuries B.C.E., Babylonians managed self-governance while paying tribute as a client kingdom.

  • Initial policies were governed under King Tiglath-Pileser III (744 B.C.E.).

Shifts in Assyrian Policy Towards Babylon

• Sargon II established a take-over of Babylon, transitioning it to an Assyrian province.

• Sennacherib (704 – 681 B.C.E.):

  • Assassinated in 681 B.C.E., leading to a reversal of his father’s policies.

  • His successor rebuilt Babylon and restored its temples but was still a conqueror who had plundered the city.

  • Sennacherib notably destroyed much of the city in 689 B.C.E.

The Reigns of Esarhaddon and Ašurbanipal

• Esarhaddon (680 – 669 B.C.E.):

  • Developed a reputation for rebuilding and cultural engagement.

  • Succeeded by Ašurbanipal (668 – 627 B.C.E.), known for his intellectual pursuits, establishing a library at Nineveh.

  • Ašurbanipal's reign preserved a wealth of literature, including Sumerian and Akkadian texts.

Decline of the Assyrian Empire

• Following Ašurbanipal’s death in 627 B.C.E., Assyrian power began to decline as rebellions arose from annexed territories, including Babylonia.

• Nabopolassar, a Chaldean leader, emerged from this chaos, successfully leading an insurrection against the Assyrian Empire.

The Rise of the Chaldeans and the 11th Babylonian Dynasty

• Nabopolassar established the 11th Babylonian Dynasty, which included prominent figures like his son, Nebuchadnezzar II (626 – 605 B.C.E.) and others.

  • The dynasty lasted approximately a century and was significant for controlling the territory of former Assyrian holdings.

Egyptian Campaigns During the Late Babylonian Period

• Egypt, paralleling Babylon's challenges, faced Assyrian conquest with the sacking of Thebes (663 B.C.E.) during Ašurbanipal's reign.

• The XXVIth Dynasty (7th Century B.C.E.) emerged as the first native dynasty in a long time after periods of foreign rule.

  • Psamtik I (664 – 610 B.C.E.) reunited Egypt and restored its local governance.

Battle of Megiddo and Its Aftermath

• In a significant campaign, Pharaoh Necho II attempted to assert power in Judea (609 B.C.E.) against King Josiah.

  • The ensuing Battle of Megiddo saw Josiah’s death and Necho's subsequent influence over Judea with changed vassalage.

Timeline of Babylon and Its Dynasties

• Summary of dynasties:

  • 1st Babylonian Dynasty: 2004 – 1595 B.C.E.

  • 2nd Babylonian Dynasty: 1594 – 1005 B.C.E.

  • 3rd Babylonian Dynasty: 1004 – 539 B.C.E.

• Initial foreign control evident through foreign dynasties dominating post-1st dynasty

  • Assyrian contact highly influential throughout this historical trajectory.

Concluding Insights on Babylon's Historical Landscape

• The political landscape of Babylon was characterized by frequent shifts in power, annexations, and resistance, particularly against Assyria.

• Despite periods of autonomy and cultural prominence, Babylon maintained a complex history intertwined with external pressures stemming from Assyrian dominance and internal upheaval.