ABSTRACT: This lecture (no. 16) covers the Neo-Babylonian Empire, starting with the transitory reign of King Nabopolassar (Nabu-apla-usur) (ca. 626/625-605 BC), an individual who began as an official serving the Assyrians and gradually... more
ABSTRACT: This lecture (no. 16) covers the Neo-Babylonian Empire, starting with the transitory reign of King Nabopolassar (Nabu-apla-usur) (ca. 626/625-605 BC), an individual who began as an official serving the Assyrians and gradually became independent, initiating a small kingdom in southern Babylonia that grew into an autonomous Babylonian kingdom and then challenged and ultimately defeated the Assyrian Empire by 610 BCE. The lecture proceeds with a brief coverage of his son, King Nebuchadnezzar II (Nabu-kudurru-usur; 604-562 BC), and a series of other Neo-Babylonian rulers: King Amel-Marduk (biblical: Evil-Merodach; ca. 561-560 BC), King Nergal-Shar-Usur (Neriglissar; Nergal-sherezer; ca. 559-556 BC), King Labashi-Marduk (ca. 555 BC), and King Nabonidus (ca. 555-539 BC), the latter of whom lost his kingdom to Cyrus II (the Great), who incorporated the Neo-Babylonian Empire into the expanding Persian Empire. Please Note: This lecture will also be expanded in future course revisions/offerings. UPDATED: 2022 Spring offering.
