Nabopolassar seized the throne in Babylon, inaugurating the Neo-Babylonian (often called “Chaldean”) dynasty and launching a successful break from Neo-Assyrian control.
After the Medes took Assur (614 BCE), they allied with Nabopolassar, creating the Medo-Babylonian coalition that would dismantle the Neo-Assyrian Empire.
The Assyrian capital, Nineveh, fell after a major siege, a decisive blow that accelerated the collapse of Assyrian imperial power and elevated Babylonia in the region.
At Carchemish, crown prince Nebuchadnezzar led Babylon’s army to a decisive victory over Egypt and Assyrian remnants, ending Egyptian intervention in Syria–Levant politics and confirming Babylonian dominance.
Following Nabopolassar’s death, Nebuchadnezzar II became king and went on to lead the empire at its greatest power, combining military expansion with major building works in Babylon.
Nebuchadnezzar II began a prolonged siege of the Phoenician city of Tyre (traditionally reckoned as a 13-year siege), reflecting Babylon’s effort to control key Levantine coastal trade and vassal networks.
Babylonian forces captured Jerusalem after a final siege, destroyed the First Temple, and deported many Judeans—events central to the history of the Babylonian Exile.
Nebuchadnezzar II died after a long reign; his son Amel-Marduk succeeded him, marking the beginning of a less stable succession phase for the empire.
After Amel-Marduk was overthrown, Neriglissar (a prominent official and military figure) became king, continuing the trend of dynastic instability after Nebuchadnezzar II.
Labashi-Marduk ruled only briefly in 556 BCE before being removed; the coup opened the way for Nabonidus, the last Neo-Babylonian king.
Nabonidus took the throne after Labashi-Marduk’s removal. His reign (556–539 BCE) would be marked by internal religious-political tensions and the rising threat of Achaemenid Persia.
Cyrus II’s forces defeated the Babylonians near Opis in September 539 BCE, breaking Neo-Babylonian military resistance during the Persian invasion of Mesopotamia.
Babylon fell to Persian forces in October 539 BCE, ending the Neo-Babylonian Empire and incorporating Babylonia into the Achaemenid Empire; soon after, Cyrus issued royal proclamations (attested in the Cyrus Cylinder tradition) presenting himself as Babylon’s legitimate ruler.
Neo-Babylonian (Chaldean) Empire (c. 626–539 BCE)
