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What was the original name of the city of Babylon?
The original name of Babylon was “Babilim” in the Akkadian language. It is believed to mean “Gate of the Gods” (from “bab” meaning gate and “ilu” meaning gods).
Who gave the name Babylon to the city?
The name “Babylon” is derived from the Akkadian name “Babilim”, which means “Gate of the Gods.” The city was originally named Babilim by the Akkadians, a Semitic people who inhabited Mesopotamia. The name “Babylon” is the Greek form of this original Akkadian name, introduced later when the Greeks encountered the city during their conquests under Alexander the Great. Therefore, the name Babylon came into broader use through Greek influence, though its roots lie in the Akkadian language.
