Nebuchadnezzar II

Early Life

Nebuchadnezzar II, also known as Nebuchadnezzar the Great, had an interesting early life. He was born in Babylon around 634 BCE, and he came from a royal family. Growing up, Nebuchadnezzar received a great education that covered many subjects like science, arts, and military strategies. He showed exceptional leadership skills and had a strong desire to become a powerful ruler. Nebuchadnezzar's father, King Nabopolassar, recognized his potential and made him the crown prince. This meant that Nebuchadnezzar would eventually become the king of Babylon. During his early years, he also gained valuable experience by leading military campaigns and achieving victories against other empires. These early experiences and his determination set the stage for his later accomplishments as a great ruler of Babylon. 

Military Challenges & Becoming King

Nebuchadnezzar II's journey to becoming a king and engaging in wars was remarkable. Born in Babylon around 634 BCE, he came from a royal family and had a strong desire to rule. When his father, King Nabopolassar, recognized his leadership potential, Nebuchadnezzar was appointed as the crown prince. This meant that he would eventually become the king of Babylon. In his early reign, Nebuchadnezzar faced various military challenges and engaged in wars against powerful empires like Assyria and Egypt. Through his strategic thinking and military skills, he achieved significant victories and expanded the reach and power of the Babylonian Empire. Nebuchadnezzar's military successes played a crucial role in solidifying his reign as a formidable king and establishing Babylon as a dominant force in the ancient world. 

Cuneiform cylinder: inscription of Nebuchadnezzar II describing the construction of the outer city wall of Babylon, Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET), New York

Restoring Babylon

After emerging victorious in his conquests, Nebuchadnezzar turned his attention towards the restoration of Babylon. He undertook extensive efforts to rebuild and enhance the city's temples dedicated to various gods. Notably, he constructed a magnificent palace that featured the renowned Hanging Gardens of Babylon, renowned as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. These awe-inspiring gardens were an extravagant display of his wealth and power. Additionally, Nebuchadnezzar prioritized bolstering the defenses of Babylon by erecting a colossal double wall that extended for an impressive 10-mile perimeter around the city. These defensive fortifications aimed to safeguard the city from potential threats. Nebuchadnezzar's endeavors in revitalizing Babylon with grand structures and fortified defenses left an enduring legacy in ancient Mesopotamian architecture and history. 

Death

The details surrounding the death of Nebuchadnezzar II, the great Babylonian king, are not entirely clear. Historical records and accounts vary, leaving some uncertainty about the exact circumstances. It is believed that Nebuchadnezzar passed away around 562 BCE after a long and successful reign. Following his death, his son, Amel-Marduk, ascended to the throne, marking a transition of power in Babylon. Despite the lack of specific details about Nebuchadnezzar's demise, his legacy as a powerful and influential ruler continues to captivate the imagination and shape our understanding of ancient Mesopotamian history. 

Information compiled in this site come from the following sources; British Museum, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Smithsonian Institute, Brooklyn Museum of Art, Acropolis Museum, Encyclopedia Britannica, Egypt Time Travel, Journey to Egypt, Getty Institute, Boston Museum of Fine Art 

If you have edits you would like to suggest, please email Michael.Veley@ship.k12.pa.us