BABYLON, CITY OF, the capital of the ancient kingdom of Babylonia, is supposed to have been si tuated in N. Lat. 32° 34', and in E. Long. 44° 12' 30". It was founded by the first descendants of Noah, 2231 years B. C., enlarged by Nimrod, the great grandson of Noah, 2000 years B. C. ; and in a manner completely rebuilt about 1200 years B. C., by the Assyrian Queen Semiramis. It was greatly strengthened and beautified by various succeeding sovereigns ; but it was by Nebuchadnezzar and his daughter Nitocris, that it was brought to such a degree of magnificence and splendour, as rendered it one of the wonders of the world.
Babylon stood in the midst of a large plain, in a very deep and fruitful soil. It was divided into two parts by the river Euphrates, which flowed through the city from north to south. The old city was on the east, and the new city, built by Nebuchadnezzar, on the west side of the river. Both these divisions were inclosed by one wall, and the whole formed a complete square, 480 furlongs in compass. Each of the four sides of this square had 25 gates of solid 'brass, at equal distances ; and at every corner was a strong tower, ten feet higher than the wall. In those quarters, where the city had least natural defence, there were also three of these towers between every two of the gates ; and the same number between each corner, and the nearest gate on its two sides. The city was composed of 50 streets, each 15 miles long, and 150 feet broad, proceeding from the 25 gates on each side, and crossing each other at right angles, besides 4. half streets, 200 feet in breadth, surround ing the whole, and fronting towards the outer wall. It was thus intersected into 676 squares, which ex tended four furlongs and a half on each of their sides, and along which the houses were built, at some dis tance from each other. These intermediate spaces, as well as the inner parts of the squares, were employ ed as gardens, pleasure grounds, &c. ; so that not above one half of the immense extent which the walls inclosed, was occupied by buildings, The walls of Babylon were ofextraordinary strength, being 87 feet broad, and 350 high. They were built
of brick, and cemented by a kind of glutinous earth called bitumen, which .had the quality of soon be coming as hard as stone. These walls were surround ed on the outside by an immense ditch, from which the earth had been dug to make the bricks ; and which, being always filled with water, added very much to the defence of the.city.
a On each side of the river Euphrates, was built a quay, or high wall, •of the same thickness with the walls around the city. There were gates of brass in these walls opposite to every street which led to the river, and from them were formed descents or landing places by means of steps, so that the inhabitants could easily pass in boats from one side a the city to the other. There was also a remarkable bridge thrown over the river, near the middle of the city, built with wonderful art of huge stones, fastened together by means of iron chains and melted lead ; and is said to 1 have been a whole furlong in length, and Z0 feet in ' breadth.
In order to prevent any inconvenience from the LI swellings of the Euphrates, two canals were cut from IN that river at a considerable distance above the town, c' which carried off the superabundant waters into the Tigris. From the place where these canals commen ced down the sides of the river, both above and below the city, immense banks were constructed to confine the stream still more effectually within its channel, and to prevent still more completely all danger of an inundation. In order to facilitate the construction of these works, an immense lake was dug on the west side of Babylon, about 40 miles square, and 35 feet deep, into which the river was turned by a canal, till the banks were completed : and it was then restored to its former course. ,This lake continued afterwards to receive annually a fresh supply of water from the Euphrates, and was rendered very serviceable by means of sluices for watering the lands which were situated below it.