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King Nimrod Built 4 Cities

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If you believe the Biblical record in Genesis, that a city called Babel existed, it might interest you to know that Nimrod, the king who angered God because he tried to build a tower to reach heaven, is actually credited with building four (4) cities.

“Genesis says that the “beginning of his kingdom” (reshit mamlakto) were the towns of “Babel, Erech, Akkad and Calneh in the land of Shinar” (Mesopotamia) (Gen 10:10)—understood variously to imply that he either founded these cities, ruled over them, or both.”   (Source:  Wikipedia)

People aren’t usually taught a lesson about the other three (3) cities. Based on the scant information available, there’s not really a lot to teach or tell. Below are some quick facts about these real historical places.  I’m a believer!

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BABEL

“… The name is thought to derive from bav-il or bav-ilim which, in the Akkadian language of the time, meant ‘Gate of God’ or `Gate of the Gods’ and `Babylon’ coming from Greek. The city owes its fame (or infamy) to the many references the Bible makes to it; all of which are unfavourable. In the Book of Genesis, chapter 11, Babylonis featured in the story of The Tower of Babel and the Hebrews claimed the city was named for the confusion which ensued after God caused the people to begin speaking in different languages so they would not be able to complete their great tower to the heavens (the Hebrew word bavel means `confusion’). …”  (Quote source: Joshua J. Mark; published on 28 April 2011 found at Ancient History Encyclopedia)

ERECH

Situated between Ur and Babylon on the Euphrates River. Called different names by different nations or kingdoms. Assyrians and Babylonians called this city Uruk. Arabs called it Warka. Greeks and Romans called it Orchoe.

ACCAD

The exact location of this ancient city is unknown, but it is believed to be about nine (9) miles from modern Baghdad. Mention is made of this place in Sumerian writings.

CALNEH

Location? Unknown.

There really isn’t much else known about these four cities. They are named in the Bible and in non-biblical documents or records. Archaeological findings offer next to nothing by way of further explanation or verification or proof!

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Image credit:  Pieter Brueghel the Elder (1526/1530–1569) [Publicdomain], via Wikimedia Commons

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Links of Interest:

Nimrod and the ‘Gate of God’

A Hellenistic Eden: One Ancient King’s Attempt to Create the Perfect City on Earth

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  • Question of

    Do you find the study of ancient civilizations fascinating?

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  • Question of

    Do you find the reports of archaeological findings fascinating?

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  • Question of

    Which would you rather? Build a tower to reach heaven OR build a colony to live on Mars?

    • Build a tower to reach heaven
    • Build a colony to live on Mars
    • Neither

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Written by Cmoneyspinner

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