The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition. 2002.
Babylon
(BAB-uh-luhn, BAB-uh-lon) The capital of the ancient empire of Babylonia, which conquered Israel in the sixth century B.C. The Jews were exiled to Babylon, which they found luxurious and corrupt. The prophetDaniel became a counselor to the king of Babylon (seethe handwriting on the wall), and eventually the Israelites were allowed to return to their homeland. (See alsoDaniel in the lions den.)