A History of Babylon, from the Foundation of the Monarchy to the Persian Conquest

Listeners are taken on a sweeping journey through the rise of Babylon, beginning with its prehistoric roots and moving through the establishment of the first West‑Semitic dynasty. The narrative draws on the latest archaeological discoveries, allowing the ancient streets, mud‑brick temples, and the famous Ishtar Gate to emerge in vivid detail. By framing the city’s development alongside the lives of its early kings, the book paints a picture of a civilization that grew steadily rather than through sudden conquest.

Beyond monuments, the work explores how Babylon’s legal and economic systems evolved—from communal land practices to the private ownership championed by later rulers. A wealth of primary sources, including royal letters and legal codes, reveal a society that prized diplomacy and trade, often preferring negotiation to force. Accompanied by maps and illustrations, the account remains clear and engaging, making the distant world of ancient Mesopotamia accessible to modern ears.