Nebuchadnezzar

Nebuchadnezzar II is perceived by some people as one of the greatest kings of the ancient world. However, as described in the Book of Daniel, he is perceived by others as a biblical tyrant and villain. The Neo-Babylonian king accomplished the unthinkable in his forty-three year reign. Among many other accomplishments, he held 8,000 Judeans captive, built a lush artificial mountain in the arid city of Babylon, and built a wall around Babylon which was thirty-six miles in perimeter. Nebuchadnezzar II exemplified the traits of a superior leader through his actions as the ruler of Neo-Babylonia. The Neo-Babylonian king was a militaristic genius. His superior intelligence enabled him to do the unthinkable under the technological limitations of the time period. Last, Nebuchadnezzar's ambitious mindset earned him respect from the citizens of Neo-Babylonia and surrounding kingdoms. Nebuchadnezzar II was indeed a good king because he exemplified the traits of a good king: militaristic, intelligent, and ambitious.

A good monarch must have superior knowledge in the field of militarism. King Nebuchadnezzar II was a militaristic mastermind. Following Nebuchadnezzar's attempted invasion of Egypt in 601 BC, rebellions occurred in the state of Levant, including Judah. In response, Nebuchadnezzar captured Jerusalem in 597 BC and took King Jehoiachin captive. Pharaoh Apries of Egypt attempted to invade Levant in 589 BC, and once again, Judah rebelled. For the second time, Nebuchadnezzar besieged Jerusalem. He held the city captive and deported many of its important citizens to Babylon. The King starved the city until finally, after eighteen months, there was a surrender. Nebuchadnezzar used force. Force was necessary for success during this time period. King Nebuchadnezzar II intelligently and strategically utilized his military. His intelligence in the field of militarism contributed to his greatness as the ruler of Neo-Babylonia.

The most obvious trait a good king must posses is extraordinary intelligence. Nebuchadnezzar was incredibly intelligent in many ways. His intelligence can be seen through the defense mechanisms of Babylon. King Nebuchadnezzar devised an amazingly elaborate defense mechanism considering the technological restraints of the time period. The King built walls around the city of Babylon in the shape of a square. Each side of the square was nine miles long, equaling a total perimeter of thirty-six miles. The brick wall was 300 feet high, twenty-five feet thick, and extended thirty-five feet below the ground. Along the wall there were 250 guard towersÐ'--each 450 feet in height. Seventy-five feet behind the first wall, there was a second wall with similar characteristics as the first wall. Along the wall, there were 100 bronze gates and eight massive gates that lead to the inner city. Finally, a moat encircled the walls. This was the most elaborate defense mechanism the ancient world had ever seen. Nebuchadnezzar's intelligence as an innovator enabled him to devise this defense system. His intelligent innovation was unprecedented.