Ancient Babylon had a massive impact on world history. It was a center of early mathematics, astronomy, and technological innovation. The Babylonians invented the wheel for work carts and chariots, the sailboat to trade on the Euphrates River, and cuneiform writing for records. Babylon also developed a unique numerical system based on a lunar calendar with 360 days in a year, 30 days in a month, and units for measuring time based on the number 60. This is why we divide hours into 60 minutes and minutes into 60 seconds.
Babylonians also divided the starry heavens into 36 constellations, which is why we say there are 360 degrees in a circle. Interestingly, the Babylonian’s sacred square is composed of 6 by 6 boxes, containing 36 segments. If added up sequentially, 1 + 2 + 3—on to 36—it totals 666.
Babylon was at its zenith of power during the rule of its last great king, Nebuchadnezzar II, who built the legendary Hanging Gardens for his wife. Historians tell us the 40-foot-high walls of the capital enclosed 200 square miles and were wide enough for chariot races on the top!
The vast kingdom of Babylon was opulent and prosperous, yet the king stirred in his royal bed wondering how long his golden era would last. With these questions troubling his mind, the mighty monarch drifted off to sleep. That night, a vivid dream flashed into his mind something of a towering multi-mineral idol unlike anything he had ever seen. Knowing this was no ordinary dream, the king threw aside his embroidered covers and told his servants to order all his magicians and astrologers to come at once. He was desperate to understand this dream! Little did he know, it had prophetic significance down to our day. Let’s find out more …
