The Old Babylonian period describes south
Mesopotamia in the period about 2000-1600 BC.
The early years saw a number of important states
dominating the region: Isin, Larsa, Eshnunna
and, from 1894 BC, Babylon. Babylon was ruled
by a dynasty of Amorite kings. The sixth ruler
was Hammurapi, who defeated the other
southern states and expanded his control into
north Mesopotamia. On the death of Hammurapi
the empire gradually shrank over about 150
years. Nonetheless, Babylon remained an
important power until it was sacked by the Hittite
king, Mursili I, in about 1595 BC. During the Old
Babylonian period literary activity flourished with
scribes composing and recording religious,
poetic and 'scientific' works in Sumerian and
Akkadian cuneiform. Perhaps the most famous
monument is the stele of Hammurapi, now in the
Musée du Louvre, Paris.
- (LO.551)
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