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The Old Babylonian period describes south
Mesopotamia between 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.
Ceramic plaques of this sort were mass-
produced from moulds and represent a form of
art available to a wide audience. The casting of
plaques was a simple and inexpensive way to
produce relief images, since numerous plaques
could be made from a single mold. They have
been excavated in temples as well as household
shrines in private homes. Their subject matter
varies widely, including religious images,
mythological and erotic scenes, and
representations of rulers and gods.
- (LO.1215)
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