Nimrod was the son of Cush, the eldest son of Ham (Genesis 10:8-10). The general understanding of the biographical notes in that section of Genesis is that Nimrod had greatly bodily strength, and was eminent as a hunter of wild, dangerous animals; that he became popular among young men who gladly joined him in his hunting expeditions, and whom he organized into a military force by the aid of which he assailed and subjugated the inhabitants of Shinar; that he was a despot who built forts, towns and cities, chief among which was Babel. Other important places were called after his name. There was a Birs Nimrod (Borsippa) near Babylon; a Tel Nimrod (Hill of Nimrod) near Baghdad, and a mound, later known as Calah. In the Book of Ether we learn that there was a Valley of Nimrod, probably the region now known as Irak. In Persian and Greek mythology Nimrod is supposed to be represented by the magnificent constellation Orion.