NeoBabylonian

Neo-Babylonian refers to the Neo-Babylonian Empire, a revival of Babylonian rule in southern Mesopotamia from roughly 626 to 539 BCE. Also known as the Chaldean Dynasty in some sources, this period marks a resurgence after the decline of Assyria, with Babylon once again at the center of power. Modern scholarship describes it as a distinct phase in which the last great Mesopotamian empire emerged and flourished before the Persian conquest.

The dynasty began with Nabopolassar, who led a revolt against Assyrian dominance, allied with the Median Empire, and helped destroy the Assyrian heartland, culminating in the capture of Nineveh in 612 BCE. This set the stage for a relatively stable and centralized state centered on Babylon. The empire reached its greatest extent under Nebuchadnezzar II (c. 605–562 BCE), who expanded the borders, built expansive public works, and reinforced Babylon’s status as a cultural and religious capital. Notable monuments from his era include the Ishtar Gate and an ambitious program of temple and palace construction, as well as structural renovations throughout the city.

Administration combined centralized royal authority with appointed governors and officials drawn from Mesopotamian bureaucratic traditions. The state religion centered on Marduk, and the period saw significant religious and literary activity, preserved in later traditions. The Neo-Babylonian state conducted campaigns in the Levant, including episodes related to Judah, and maintained a degree of imperial prestige despite internal challenges.

The empire fell when Cyrus the Great of Persia conquered Babylon in 539 BCE, ending the dynasty and beginning Achaemenid rule in the region. The Neo-Babylonian period left a lasting imprint on Mesopotamian art, architecture, and historical memory.