A History of Babylon, from the Foundation of the Monarchy to the Persian Conquest

"A History of Babylon, from the Foundation of the Monarchy to the Persian Conquest" by L. W. (Leonard William) King is a historical exploration of ancient Babylon, tracing its journey from a newly formed kingdom to its fall at the hands of the Persian Empire. Written in the early 1900s, the book examines Babylon’s political growth, cultural achievements, and central role in the ancient world, building on prior knowledge of early Babylonia's rise to power under West-Semitic rulers. King highlights how archaeological finds have revealed the lasting influence of Babylonian culture and its continuous presence throughout different ruling periods, despite foreign takeovers and the shifting tides of power. The story emphasizes Babylon’s architectural wonders and cultural exports to demonstrate how this city acted as an essential hub of innovation, spreading its influence throughout Western Asia and shaping the region.