Babylonian inscriptions, Nebuchadnezzar captures Jerusalem

European Museums, The British Museum

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Babylonian inscriptions

Nebuchadnezzar captures Jerusalem

This official document chronicles important events in the reign of Nebuchadnezzar between 605 B.C. and 595 B.C. It pinpoints the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem and the surrender of Jehoakim, King of Judah, at Jerusalem in 597 B.C.

Reign of Nebuchadnezzar II, 605 - 562 B.C.

From Babylon, southern Iraq

Nebuchadnezzar's right hand man

The Chief Eunuch Nabu-sharussu-ukin, rab sha-reshi, donated gold to the Marduk Temple at Babylon. His name and title occur as Nebo-Sarsekim, rab-saris, in Hebrew in the Book of Jeremiah. He probably met the Prophet Jeremiah at Nebuchadnezzar's second capture of Jerusalem in 587 B.C.

Reign of Nebuchadnezzar II, 605 - 562 B.C.

From Babylon, southern Iraq

One God

Here a Babylonian scholar speculates on how powerful, independent Mesopotamian gods can be seen as aspects of the god Marduk. It is interesting to reflect that a similar idea characterized the religion of the incoming Judaeans.

Reign of Nebuchadnezzar II, 605 - 562 B.C.

From Babylon, southern Iraq

Belshazzar and the Bible

This administrative document is dated to the '24th day of Kislimu in the 11th year of Nabonidus, King of Babylon'. It mentions a 'slave of Bel-sharra-usur (Belshazzar), son of the king'. Although Belshazzar is acting as regent, the formal date shows that Nabonidus is still the reigning king.

545 B.C.

From Borsippa, southern Iraq

Nabonidus and sacred buildings

Nabonidus' preoccupation with the moon god Sin led to building work outside Babylon. This clay cylinder records the restoration of Sin's ziggurat at Ur and also asks him to protect Nabonidus and his son, Belshazzar.

Reign of Nabonidus, 556 - 539 B.C.

From Ur, southern Iraq

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Babylonian inscriptions

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Source:  London, United Kingdom