Which city was the chief city of ancient Mesopotamia and was known for its palace and temple at its center?

Babylon was the chief city of ancient Mesopotamia, renowned for its impressive architecture and significant cultural developments. The city is most famously associated with the Hanging Gardens, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, although its existence is a subject of debate. At the center of Babylon were grand structures, including the palace and the ziggurat dedicated to the patron deity Marduk, which served as a temple. The city’s strategic location along the Euphrates River made it a crucial hub for trade, politics, and culture in the region during various periods of its history.

The other cities mentioned—Jericho, Damascus, and Khirokitia—each hold historical significance but do not compare to Babylon in terms of being a central city in ancient Mesopotamia. Jericho is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world, located in the West Bank, while Damascus is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities, with a rich history in Syria. Khirokitia is an archaeological site in Cyprus known for its Neolithic settlement but does not have the same prominence or architectural legacy as Babylon.