VSI, Babylonia

The history of Ancient Babylonia in ancient Mesopatamia is epic. After playing host to three great empires, the Hammurabic and Kassite empires, and the Neo-Babylonian Empire ruled by Nebuchadnezzar, it was conquered by the Persians. Entered triumphantly by Alexander the Great, it later provided the setting for the Conquerer's deathbed. Squabbled over by his heirs, Babylonia was subsequently dominated by the Parthian and Roman empires. In this Very Short Introduction, Trevor Bryce takes us on a journey of more than 2,000 years across the history and civilization of ancient Babylonia, from the emergence of its chief city, Babylon, as a modest village on the Euphrates in the 3rd millennium BC through successive phases of triumph, decline, and resurgence until its royal capital faded into obscurity in the Roman imperial era. Exploring key historical events as well as the day-to-day life of an ancient Babylonian, Bryce provides a comprehensive guide to one of history's most profound civilizations. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

Review: Introductory, readable, no footnotes. Excellent for the general reader seeking a starting point. * Ancient East & West *
Fast-paced and gripping, written by a master scholar, this is a sweeping yet concentrated history of Babylon and Babylonia in the full context of the ancient Near East, from Sumerians to Romans. Jam-packed with details, maps, and interesting information, from Hammurabi's Law Code to Nebuchadnezzar's Ishtar Gate and beyond, this brief volume is well worth reading and rereading! * Eric H. Cline, George Washington University *