Babylonian King Nabonidus Tells His Story Losing all of Babylon

Presented to you by: http://www.HistoricalConquest.com
Read more on our blog at: https://www.historicalconquest.com/blog

I am King Nabonidus, the last king of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, and my reign was marked by both triumphs and challenges. I ascended to the throne in 556 BC, inheriting an empire that was facing threats from various quarters. One of the most significant challenges I faced during my rule was the formidable rise of Cyrus the Great and the expanding Persian Empire.

Cyrus, the ambitious leader of the Persians, sought to conquer the mighty city of Babylon, the jewel of my empire. In 539 BC, his forces besieged Babylon, leading to a tense standoff. It was during this time that I faced one of the most difficult decisions of my reign. Feeling threatened and isolated, I withdrew to the oasis city of Tayma in present-day Saudi Arabia, leaving my son Belshazzar in charge of Babylon's defense.

As the siege continued, the Persian forces devised a clever plan. They diverted the Euphrates River, which flowed through the heart of Babylon, allowing them to enter the city through the riverbed. On the fateful night of October 12, 539 BC, Belshazzar and his nobles were feasting within the city walls. It was during this banquet that the Persians infiltrated Babylon.

The Persian army captured Babylon, and my empire fell under Cyrus's control. I was captured and spent the rest of my life in captivity. This marked the end of the Neo-Babylonian Empire and the beginning of the Achaemenid Empire under Cyrus's rule.

While my reign ended in defeat, I am remembered for my contributions to Babylonian culture and religion. I was a patron of archaeological and religious projects, including the restoration of ancient temples and the study of Babylon's history. My reign, though marred by the fall of Babylon, left an indelible mark on Mesopotamian history, and my legacy endures as part of the rich tapestry of ancient civilizations.

Visit us at: https://www.historicalconquest.com/marketplace

Helping Build Futures,

Zack Edwards
President and Creator of Historical Conquest

Website: http://www.HistoricalConquest.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HistoricalConquest/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwMESbGwG5OqQrjoq6pCSpQ
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Histcon
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/historicalconquest/