en_tw/bible/other/babylon/01.md

Babylon, Babylonian

Facts

The ancient city of Babylon was the capital of the Babylonian Empire. It was located in the ancient region of Babylonia, which is now the country of Iraq.

• Babylon was located along the Euphrates River, in the same region where the Tower of Babel had been built hundreds of years before.
• Sometimes the word "Babylon" refers to the entire Babylonian Empire. For example, the "king of Babylon" ruled the entire empire, not just the city.
• The Babylonians were a powerful people group who attacked the kingdom of Judah and kept them in exile in Babylonia for 70 years.
• Part of this region was called "Chaldea" and the people living there were the "Chaldeans." So often the term "Chaldea" in the Bible is referring to Babylonia.
• A few times in the New Testament, the term "Babylon" is used metaphorically to represent places, people, and thinking patterns that are sinful, in rebellion against God, and full of idol-worship.