Babylon

Definition:
Babylon was a major ancient Mesopotamian city, located in present-day Iraq along the Euphrates River. It became a center of culture, science, power, and architecture. Over time, it also evolved into a symbol of pride, decadence, and spiritual corruption in religious and esoteric traditions.

Historical Context:

First prominence around 1800 BCE under King Hammurabi (known for the Hammurabi Code, one of the earliest legal texts)
Greatest expansion under Nebuchadnezzar II (6th century BCE): famous for the Ishtar Gate and the legendary Hanging Gardens
Known for advances in astronomy, law, mathematics, and architecture
Later part of the Persian Empire, then conquered by Alexander the Great

Symbolic and Religious Meaning:

In the Bible, Babylon is portrayed as a symbol of idolatry, exile, and arrogance
- The Babylonian Captivity refers to the exile of the Jewish people
- In the Book of Revelation, “Babylon the Great” becomes a metaphor for moral decay, false religion, and imperial corruption
In esotericism and mysticism, “Babylon” can represent materialism, spiritual confusion, or false light and illusion

Modern Usage:

Used in art, literature, and pop culture as a metaphor for decadence, chaos, or globalized control
In Reggae and Rastafarian belief, "Babylon" refers to oppressive systems and Western domination
Common term in conspiracy theories and anti-system rhetoric