Babylon, 539 BCE: enter the evidence
Explore Babylon through objects, stories and the change of rule under Cyrus, then follow the connected wisdom journey.
A city at a turning point
In 539 BCE, Cyrus conquered Babylon. Begin with the surviving evidence, then follow the biblical narratives and their later interpretation. The journey reaches backward to David and Solomon and forward into the books and songs that keep asking what wisdom can become.
Cyrus and the clay cylinder
A royal inscription opens one doorway into Babylon’s change of rule in 539 BCE.
Explore ↗The Nabonidus Chronicle and Daniel’s feast
Two different kinds of writing invite two different reading questions.
Explore ↗The Processional Way and Babylon’s lions
Architecture, glazed brick and ceremonial movement bring the city into view.
Explore ↗Exile, return and rebuilding
Ezra’s account connects Babylon’s transition with the work of rebuilding in Jerusalem.
Explore ↗Follow the centuries
Move between the earlier monarchy, exile, the Persian transition and later wisdom literature.
Follow the centuries ↗Enter the wisdom journey
David, Solomon, the Shulamite and twelve rooms of learning.
Enter the wisdom journey ↗Read alongside this guide
Learning in the Light
In Babylon, the Father’s light opens perspective, learning and a chosen next step. Your worth remains intact. Every person is sovereign, with dignity, freedom and room to grow.
Read the learning principle ↗