Saturday, May 17, 2014

Chaldean empire (626 -539 BC)

While the Assyrian Empire was weakening, a group of people known as the Chaldean united into strong force. They made possible the rise of a Chaldean empire, which include Babylonian, Assyria, Syria and Palestine.

These people came from the southern end of the Tigris-Euphrates Valley. The Chaldeans of southern Babylonia first appear in the cuneiform sources of the ninth century BC. They were organized in tribal groups called ‘houses’ and were settled in the swamps and lakes of the lower courses of the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers.

Led by Nabopolassar, they rebuilt the city of Babylon which became the capital and most important city of the Chaldean Empire.

This stage was often called the Neo-Babylonian, because Nebuchadnezzar and his followers restored the capital at Babylon and attempted to revive the culture of Hammurabi’s time.

His dream was to revive the ancient glory of Babylonia. He conquered Phoenicia, Palestine and Egypt. Under Nebuchadnezzar, who rules from 604 to 562 BC, the Chaldean, empire reached its height.

In 586 BC, he destroyed Jerusalem and carried the Hebrews off into Babylonian captivity.

A talented general and statesman and brilliant administrator, Nebuchadnezzar had Babylon rebuilt. On his palace grounds, Nebuchadnezzar create the famous hanging Gardens for his Median wife, according to legend.

The last ruler, Nabonidus (555-539 BC), neglected the affairs of state, for he was interested in archeological studies. In 539 BC, Babylon capital of the Chaldean Empire surrendered without a fight to the Persian invaders.
Chaldean empire (626 -539 BC)

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