Major Ancient Near and Middle Eastern Kings

Nebuchadnezzar was the most important Chaldean king. [See Map showing Chaldean, Median, Lydian, and Egyptian Empires.] Nebuchadnezzar ruled from 605-562. Nebuchadnezzar was best remembered for turning Judah into a province of the Babylonian empire, sending the Jews into the Babylonian captivity, and destroying Jerusalem, as well as his hanging gardens, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. He also expanded the empire and rebuilt Babylon. Its monumental walls contain the famous Ishtar Gate. Within Babylon was an impressive ziggurat to Marduk.