Rise of Babylon Under Amorite Rule

Under Amorite rule, Babylon transitioned from a minor town to a significant urban center, particularly during the reign of Hammurabi, its sixth ruler. Hammurabi's leadership marked a pivotal shift in the city's status, as he undertook extensive building projects that transformed Babylon into a city of considerable importance. His administration established a structured bureaucracy, implementing taxation and a centralized government that facilitated governance and order. This period saw the liberation of Babylon from Elamite control, with Hammurabi successfully driving the Elamites out of southern Mesopotamia. His military campaigns extended to various city-states, including Eshnunna, Kish, and Ur, which not only expanded Babylon's territory but also contributed to regional stability. The consolidation of these smaller states into a unified entity under Hammurabi's rule is a defining characteristic of this era, leading to the designation of southern Mesopotamia as Babylonia. The impact of Hammurabi's reign was profound, as it laid the groundwork for future governance and cultural development in the region, establishing Babylon as a center of power and influence in ancient Mesopotamia.