Events from 600 BC

Baruch's seal used - 'Belonging to Berekhyahu son of Neriyahu the scribe' (Baruch ben Neriah, Jeremiah's scribe)

Hanging Gardens of Babylon built - Nebuchadnezzar creates wonder for homesick Median wife (traditional date)

Sirrush dragon depicted on Ishtar Gate - scaly dragon-like creature with snake head, lion body, bird feet carved in relief

Phoenicians expand Rio Tinto operations - introduce cupellation for silver extraction, export metals throughout Mediterranean

Greeks found Massalia (Marseille) - establishes wine trade with Celts, transforms Celtic culture through introduction of Mediterranean luxury goods

Pharaoh Necho II attempts Red Sea-Nile canal - reportedly kills 120,000 workers, abandons after oracle warns it helps barbarians

Philistines cease to exist as distinct people - absorbed into local populations after Babylonian conquests

Orphic mysteries spread through Greece - followers of Orpheus seek purification, believe in reincarnation, refuse meat, carry secret gold tablets for afterlife