deity was Marduk (Bel), a name given to Nimrod. Nimrod may have been the builder of the Tower of Babel. The temple of Marduk contained golden images of Bel and Ishtar including a human figure of solid gold 18 feet high. Babylon had 53 temples, and 180 altars dedicated to Ishtar. Ishtar was worshiped as a moon-goddess. She was a deification of the sex passion and worshipping her required licentiousness. Sacred prostitution within her sanctuaries was a universal custom among the women of Babylon. Every maid, wife or widow had to officiate in these rites at least once in her lifetime . The prophet Isaiah gives us a good look into the heart and soul of Babylon in Isaiah chapter 47: 8 Therefore hear now this, thou that art given to pleasures, that dwellest carelessly, that sayest in thine heart, I am, and none beside me.... 9 But these two things shall come upon thee in a moment in one day, the loss of children, and widowhood: they shall come upon thee in their perfection for the multitude of thy sorceries, and for the great abundance of thine enchantments. wn toa eoatoa sad a 1 and Although Ancient Babylon was outwardly powerful she was inwardly corrupt, a condition that led to her downfall. As foretold by Isaiah and Jeremiah, the fall Ancient Babylon Babylon was a national center of idolatry. Its chief 10 For thou hast trusted in thy wickedness: thou has said, None seeth me.