Great Monarchs of the Assyro-babylonian Empire

By Minerva Smith

Step into the ancient world of Mesopotamia with 'Great Monarchs of Assyro-Babylonian Empire.' This captivating book delves into the lives of powerful rulers who shaped the course of history in the cradle of civilization.

 

Explore the majestic reigns, remarkable achievements, and tumultuous times of these legendary monarchs, offering a vivid portrayal of their leadership, cultural contributions, and the enduring legacy they left behind.

 

Discover the fascinating history of these great rulers, presented through a compelling narrative that brings to life their remarkable stories.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Heritage Books
• Release date: Nov 21, 2023
• ISBN: 9784073850120

Book preview

NEBUCHADNEZZAR THE GREAT

In the waning years of the 7th century BC, as the Iron Age neared its conclusion in the Near East, the formidable Assyrian Empire faced its ultimate downfall, giving way to the ascendancy of the Babylonians, led by King Nabopolassar. With the establishment of the Neo-Babylonian Empire by Nabopolassar, it was his son, Nebuchadnezzar II, who assumed the mantle of leadership and played a pivotal role in expanding the burgeoning empire while restoring Babylon to its former eminence. This marked the first time in a millennium, harking back to the era of Hammurabi, that Babylon reasserted its dominion over Mesopotamia.

Notably, Nebuchadnezzar's portrayal in the Bible would cast him as a harsh and oppressive adversary of the Jewish people, leaving an enduring historical legacy. Nebuchadnezzar II, the firstborn son of King Nabopolassar, was born in 642 BC and likely received his name in honor of his grandfather, a governor in the city of Uruk during King Ashurbanipal's reign. His name Nebuchadnezzar is derived from the traditional Akkadian name 'Nabu-kudurri-uṣur,' which translates to O Nabu, protect my first-born son. Nabu was the Mesopotamian patron-god of scribes, literacy, and wisdom, gaining prominence during the 1st millennium BC when identified as the son of Marduk, the most powerful god in the Babylonian pantheon.

As the Crown Prince of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar participated in his father's campaign to conquer Harran in 609 BC, where the last Assyrian ruler, Ashur-uballit the Second, had gathered the remnants of his forces. The Battle of Harran marked the ultimate downfall of the Neo-Assyrian Empire. Following this victory, Nebuchadnezzar took on an increasingly prominent role, leading military campaigns alongside his father. Together, they ventured into a mountainous region north of Assyria in 607 BC. After his father's return to Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar continued to lead independent military operations, serving as Commander-in-Chief and achieving significant victories that established Babylon as the dominant superpower in the region.

During this period, the Egyptian pharaoh Necho II attempted to revive the fallen Neo-Assyrian Empire by leading a large army into former Assyrian territories and establishing a base of operations in the city of Carchemish. In 605 BC, Nebuchadnezzar confronted Necho and his Egyptian forces in a decisive clash at the Battle of Carchemish, delivering a crippling defeat to the Egyptians. This pivotal victory, etched in history, is documented in subsequent accounts, including the Book of Jeremiah and the Book of Kings in the Hebrew Bible.

Following the death of King Nabopolassar in July of 605 BC, Nebuchadnezzar hurried back to Babylon to assert his claim to the throne, outpacing any potential challenge from his younger brother, Nabu-shum-lishir. Notably, Nabu-shum-lishir vanished from historical records, leading historians to speculate that he may have led an unsuccessful rebellion that resulted in his demise.

Upon ascending to the throne, Nebuchadnezzar delivered an inaugural address directly to Marduk, the patron god of Babylon, expressing his hopes for the longevity and prosperity of his rule. He sought the favor of the gods and envisioned a reign filled with splendor, old age, numerous offspring, and tribute from kings across various regions.

EXPLOITS AFTER NABOPOLASSAR BURIAL

After the burial of his father, Nebuchadnezzar returned to the Syrian front lines to further expand his burgeoning empire. In 604 BC, he and his forces captured the city of Ashkelon in the Levant, taking its king captive and looting its treasures, ultimately leaving the city in ruins. Over the following three years, additional states, including the Kingdom of Judah, submitted to the growing Babylonian empire. With the assistance of Greek mercenaries, Nebuchadnezzar extended his