In ancient Mesopotamia, a monumental pyramidal structure composed of brick or stone stories, or steps, of decreasing size built on top of each other which was built in the center of most major Babylonian cities.

Many ziggurats were dedicated to celestial gods; for example, the one at Ur, was dedicated to Su'en, the moon god.

As with many other ancient civilizations, Babylonian astronomy was a composition of religion, mythology, and astrology.

The priests were apparently the best-educated sector of the population; therefore, they were largely responsible for the development of Babylonian science, including astronomy.

The Babylonian empire lasted from about 2700 B.C. to 500 B.C., during which time the priests apparently did much to demystify astronomy and to put it on a scientific basis.