Researchers from the Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU) in Munich and the University of Baghdad have unearthed a hymn from the first millennium BC. This hymn, consisting of 250 lines, celebrates the glory of Babylon — one of the largest cities in the ancient world — and reflects the daily life of its inhabitants.
The text of the hymn praises the city's architectural marvels, including its famous structures, describes the spring floods of the Euphrates River, which provided fertility and the flourishing agriculture of the region. Special attention is paid to the religious role of Babylonian women, in particular their activities as priestesses, as well as the social coexistence of different segments of the population and the respectful attitude towards foreigners.
Unique to this discovery was the application of artificial intelligence. Thanks to AI algorithms, researchers were able to identify an additional 30 manuscripts related to the hymn, enabling a complete reconstruction of the text, including lost fragments. This technological breakthrough significantly accelerated the research, which without the help of artificial intelligence could have taken decades.
The findings were published in the reputable scientific journal "Iraq" in 2025. They shed new light on Babylonian urban society, expanding our knowledge of the culture, religious practices, and social structure of the ancient metropolis, while also highlighting the important role of women in religious and public life.
The ruins of Babylon, located approximately 85 kilometers south of modern Baghdad, are a UNESCO World Heritage site. This archaeological site remains a crucial source of information about ancient Mesopotamia and continues to attract the attention of researchers from around the world.