Old Babylonian Empire

In this episode, we focus on the rise and fall of the Old Babylonian Empire, following Babylon’s transformation from a minor city-state into one of the most powerful kingdoms of the ancient world. We explore how Hammurabi used military strategy, diplomacy, and administrative reform to outmaneuver rivals such as Larsa and Elam, while also establishing his enduring legacy through the famous Code of Laws and its early vision of justice. The episode also highlights the empire’s broader achievements, including irrigation systems, temple construction, and the public works that helped unify and stabilize Mesopotamia during a period of remarkable prosperity. Finally, we examine how the empire declined after Hammurabi’s death, leading to political fragmentation and eventual collapse in the wake of the Hittite invasion.