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Apr 26, 2024 · Neo-Babylonian empire, ancient Middle Eastern empire with its capital at Babylon. It dominated much of Southwest Asia from shortly after its founding in 626 bce until the defeat of its final king by the Persian king Cyrus the Great in 539 bce .
- Overview
- A Neo-Babylonian dynasty
- Architecture
By Dr. Senta German
"I, Nebuchadnezzar . . . magnificently adorned them with luxurious splendor for all mankind to behold in awe."
Nebuchadnezzar II, Inscription plaque of the Ishtar Gate
The chronology of Mesopotamia is complicated. Scholars refer to places (Sumer, for example) and peoples (the Babylonians), but also empires (Babylonia) and unfortunately for students of the Ancient Near East these organizing principles do not always agree. The result is that we might, for example, speak of the very ancient Babylonians starting in the 1800s B.C.E. and then also the Neo-Babylonians more than a thousand years later. What came in between you ask? Well, quite a lot, but mostly the Kassites and the Assyrians.
The Babylonians rose to power in the late 7th century and were heirs of the urban traditions which had long existed in southern Mesopotamia. They eventually ruled an empire as dominant in the Near East as that held by the Assyrians before them.
This period is called Neo-Babylonian (or new Babylonia) because Babylon had also risen to power earlier and became an independent city-state, most famously during the reign of
.
In the art of the Neo-Babylonian Empire we see an effort to invoke the styles and iconography of the 3rd millennium rulers of Babylonia. In fact, one Neo-Babylonian king,
The Neo-Babylonians are most famous for their architecture, notably at their capital city, Babylon.
largely rebuilt this ancient city including its walls and seven gates. It is also during this era that Nebuchadnezzar purportedly built the "Hanging Gardens of Babylon" for his wife because she missed the gardens of her homeland in Media (modern day Iran). Though mentioned by ancient Greek and Roman writers, the "Hanging Gardens" may, in fact, be legendary.
The Ishtar Gate (today in the Pergamon Museum in Berlin) was the most elaborate of the inner city gates constructed in Babylon in antiquity. The whole gate was covered in
glazed bricks which would have rendered the façade with a jewel-like shine. Alternating rows of lion and cattle march in a relief procession across the gleaming blue surface of the gate.
Additional resources
The Ishtar Gate at the Pergamon Museum in Berlin.
Nov 21, 2023 · Learn about the Neo-Babylonian Empire, its origins, and its development. Read about Neo-Babylonian achievements, its legacy, and see a map of the empire. Updated: 11/21/2023.
- What countries were in the Babylonian Empire?The Babylonians ruled over most of Mesopotamia, which consisted of modern-day Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. In an ancient sense, Babylo...
- How long did the Babylonian Empire last?The Neo-Babylonian Empire lasted for a total of 80 years. However, the city also held dominion over Mesopotamia in the days of Hammurabi in the 2nd...
- Where is Babylon located today?Babylon is located southwest of Baghdad, in modern day Iraq. Today the site only consists of ruins and extensive archaeological work has been done...
- Who was the king of the Neo-Babylonians?The most famous king of the Neo-Babylonian Empire was Nebuchadnezzar II. He was known for his building projects as well as his wars of conquest in...
- What is the Neo-Babylonian Empire known for?Today as it was then, the Neo-Babylonian Empire is most known for its architectural achievements as well as its religion and culture. These aspects...
- When did the Neo-Babylonian Empire start and end?The Neo-Babylonian Empire began in 626 BCE and lasted until 539 BCE. It is dated from the coronation of King Nabopolassar until its fall to Achaeme...
Dec 6, 2023 · A Neo-Babylonian dynasty. The Babylonians rose to power in the late 7th century and were heirs to the urban traditions which had long existed in southern Mesopotamia. They eventually ruled an empire as dominant in the Near East as that held by the Assyrians before them.
Mar 13, 2021 · Key Points. Key Terms. Neo-Babylonia. The Neo-Babylonian Empire developed an artistic style motivated by their ancient Mesopotamian heritage. Learning Objectives. Describe the artistic and architectural accomplishments of King Nebuchadnezzar II, including the city of Babylon.
Militarily, Nebuchadnezzar established the most powerful and the most far-reaching empire of any Babylonian king. The last ruler of the empire was Nabonidus, who spent much of his reign in Tayma in northern Arabia.
They eventually ruled an empire as dominant in the Near East as that held by the Assyrians before them. This period is called Neo-Babylonian (or new Babylonia) because Babylon had also risen to power earlier and became an independent city-state, most famously during the reign of King Hammurabi (1792-1750 BCE).
