Final answer:
Ashurbanipal's library reveals that Babylonians held learning in high regard, went to great lengths to collect and compile knowledge, and made concerted efforts to make it widely accessible, thereby fostering societal growth. Similar intellectual endeavors were echoed in the House of Wisdom in Baghdad.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ashurbanipal's library provides profound insights into how Babylonians valued learning. To truly appreciate the relevance of this library, one must understand the magnitude of its creation during the reign of Ashurbanipal, around 660 BCE. The Assyrian king ordered the collection of texts from all corners of his kingdom, including conquered lands, which reflected a deep respect for the broad spectrum of intellectual heritage across the Middle East. This massive assortment of wisdom was then compiled into a library, parts of which have survived to date.
The Assyrian king's initiative reveals the premium Babylonians placed upon learning and their efforts to encourage scholarly pursuits. Similar trends can be observed at the House of Wisdom in Baghdad, where scholars of diverse cultural and religious backgrounds translated varied texts into Arabic, making it accessible to a wider audience, contributing significantly to the region's economic success.
Their diligent attempts to collect, compile and translate texts from across territories and languages, and then make them widely available, speaks volumes about how Babylonians treated learning. They clearly saw knowledge not just as power, but also as a unifying factor, and the availability of these resources for public use significantly contributed to their societal growth.
Learn more about Ashurbanipal's library