Nebuchadnezzar

Nebuchadnezzar

Nebuchadnezzar was a king of Babylon during 630-562 B.C. He was the oldest son of king Nabopolassar. Nabopolassar was a Chaldean leader who led a revolt against Assyrian rule in 625 B.C. Under Nebuchadnezzar's rule many achievements were made in the city of Babylon.

At the time of Nebuchadnezzar, the city of Babylon spread out on both sides of the Euphrates River. He ruled 45 years out of the 70 years that the city of Babylon was truly in existence. Nebuchadnezzar was unstoppable with the powerful army of his father. He broke the power of Egypt at the battle of Carchemish, but he did fail in conquering Egypt. Some of the cities he invaded and plundered were Tyre, Moab, Ammon, Edom, and Jerusalem. Jerusalem had raised a rebellion, and they were carried into captivity.

Nebuchadnezzar was also one of the most renowned builders in the Near East. He made Babylon the most beautiful city in the region. Around the city, he built walls, which formed a square. The walls were 9 miles long, and further after the walls there was a moat to keep invaders out. Herodotus said that the wall was 320 feet high, with 250 watchtowers, 80 feet thick, and had 100 bronze gates. He also built the magnificent Ishtar Gate, which was a double gate at the south end of the processional way. It was covered with animal structures and blue glazed bricks. Not only did he build Ishtar's Gate, which made visitors stop in awe, but he also built himself a great palace. He paved the street sidewalks with small red stone slabs, and added a personal message on the edge of each one.

Nebuchadnezzar also built the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Therefore, being the creator of one of The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. This garden reflected the greatness of the Babylonian culture and the advanced technology of its people in Nebuchadnezzar's time. It is said that Nebuchadnezzar built the garden for his homesick