Babylon was a city-state of ancient Mesopotamia, in present-day Iraq, about 85 kilometers (55 mi) south of Baghdad. All that remains of the original ancient city of Babylon today is a mound of broken mud-brick buildings and debris in the fertile Mesopotamian plain between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.

Babylon was at first a small town, but the town flourished and became well-known and important. Babylon eclipsed Nippur as the ‘holy city’ of Mesopotamia around the time Hammurabi first unified the Babylonian Empire. Babylon became the capital city of the Neo-Babylonian Empire .

The Hanging Gardens of Babylon were one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.  The Hanging Gardens of Babylon were built by Nebuchadnezzar II. They were called hanging gardens as the gardens were tiered in platforms or steps so the gardens would “overhang”. It was said to be a paradise.

In Babylon both men and women could get an education. Hammurabi built schools and there were libraries as well.

Unlike other ancient societies, women could become priests, have businesses and have equal rights with their husband’s property.

The Code of Hammurabi is the earliest set of laws. They are on a stone tablet. This guided the people of Babylonia during their daily life.

The Babylonians main god was Marduk but they also worshiped the gods and goddesses of the Sumerians.

A famous story about Babylon in the Bible is the story of the Tower of Babel.

Due to Babylon’s historical significance as well as references to it in the Bible, the word “Babylon” in various languages has acquired a generic meaning of a large, bustling diverse city.

(Adapted from Babylon Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia. )