Neo-Babylonian (Chaldean) Empire

The Neo-Babylonian Empire was the last great native Mesopotamian empire, dominating Southwest Asia from its founding in 626 BCE until its conquest by Persia in 539 BCE.

It was established by Nabopolassar, a leader of Chaldean background, who seized the throne of Babylon as Assyrian power weakened and then allied with the Medes to destroy the Neo-Assyrian Empire, sacking Nineveh in 612 BCE. The empire reached its zenith under Nabopolassar's son, Nebuchadnezzar II, whose long reign (c. 605–562 BCE) brought military triumph and extraordinary prosperity. Nebuchadnezzar crushed Egyptian forces at Carchemish in 605 BCE, secured control over the Levant, and famously captured Jerusalem, destroying its temple and deporting much of the population of Judah in the episode known as the Babylonian Exile, a pivotal event in Jewish history. He transformed Babylon into one of the wonders of the ancient world, rebuilding its temples and ziggurats, constructing the magnificent Ishtar Gate adorned with glazed brick reliefs, and, according to later tradition, creating the Hanging Gardens. The Neo-Babylonians were also celebrated for their advances in astronomy and mathematics, compiling detailed astronomical records. After Nebuchadnezzar's death the empire was destabilised by short reigns and disputes. Its final king, Nabonidus, alienated the powerful priesthood of Marduk by promoting the moon god Sin and spending years away from the capital at the oasis of Tayma. This internal division eased the path for Cyrus the Great of Persia, who entered Babylon with little resistance in 539 BCE, ending the empire and incorporating Mesopotamia into the vast Achaemenid realm.

Key figures