Babylon was an ancient city located in what is now modern-day Iraq. It was founded around 2300 BC and became an important center of trade and industry. It was the capital of the Babylonian Empire and is known for its impressive architectural achievements, including the Hanging Gardens, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The city is mentioned in the Bible and is associated with the captivity of the Israelites. It was conquered by the Persians in 539 BC and then became a center of study and learning under the rule of the Greek and Roman empires. The city was finally abandoned and is now an important site for archaeologists studying the history of the ancient East.