I have a fondness in my heart for Babylonia. I don't really know why, it is simply intuition. I first learnt about King Nebuchadnezzar in the bible when I was younger, but as I have grown up my understanding and appreciation of Babylonian civilization has broadened. I particularly enjoyed studying the art history of their culture, with the stunning Ishtar Gates and the legendary hanging gardens. When I became interested in astrology, I learnt that it, along with our modern Canadian number system, evolved from within their civilization. Really, all the grandeur of ancient Mesopotamia came together manifested for me in Babylonia (some romanticism and very vivid daydreaming helped). For these reasons I decided to make a study on Babylonia for my last Comparative Civilizations project. However, I also have to compare and contrast between civilizations. Its in the name of the course ;P
I decided to pick a Mesoamerican civilization, more because I really do not know much about them but they seem really fascinating. I researched a bit and picked the Maya because they came around near the same time as Babylonia, though they have lasted much longer. They also have interesting astronomy and astrology systems, which I have been meaning to look into, as well as their long lasting nature and their step-pyramid like structures, which are similar in my mind to the ziggurats in Mesopotamia. They both have an impact on the modern world. I have yet to find out exactly, but I think their power structures may be more different then anything else. Either way, this series of posts will be my exploration into the similarities and differences between the ancient Maya and Babylonians, both for high school credit and probably after that too!
For the sake of school, I am going to compare the two civilizations under the topics of astrology/astronomy, pyramids/temples and the transfer of power. I will probably elaborate under many more different topics later.
Here is a brief introduction into each civilization:
The Mayans were (and still are) a people centered in Mesoamerica, near the Gulf of Mexico, between the plains of Yucatan and the highlands of Guatemala. They began as nomads and forest gardeners in 2000 BC and earlier. Throughout the next couple thousand years they moved inland from the coast and settled in villages. Their agriculture, which consisted of maize and cultivated jungle food forests, among other things, grew along with the Mayan population. They created/elaborated upon a complex and highly artistic writing system, studied the stars and had detailed stories and mythology, as well as complex society and trading systems. There is really so much going on with this civilization that the research and understanding takes lifetimes of learning, and especially since the culture is still evolving (and in lots of cases being revived).
The Babylonians (1895 BCE - 619 BCE) were a people with a particular culture developed in the city of Babylon, and around it. They were not they were not the first of their kind in ancient Mesopotamia. There is a long history of civilizations in this fertile cradle of civilization, nestled between the two rivers Euphrates and Tigris. In fact, it is one of the first areas to have settlements and civilizations of its kind. Babylonia was one of many great powers to flourish in the area, but generally was more of a center of culture then political power for the majority of its history. However, they elaborated upon writing systems, astronomy, astrology, mythology, among other things and were recognized as a place of cultural importance and a center for academia of all sorts. Babylonia has survived in culture, art and story into the modern day and into modern minds, whether through the bible or art history!
Thanks for reading and learning, more to come on astrology, astronomy, temples and power! <3