Circa 550-543 - Circa 487 B.C.E.
Babylonian Financier

Babylonian Entrepreneurs. The Egibi were a financial family active in Babylon from the late sixth century through the fifth century B.C.E. Five generations are mentioned in surviving tablets from the family's financial archives, which document their rise from commodities traders in the first two generations to leading landholders and speculators in many different economic ventures.

The Fourth Generation. Born sometime between 550 and 543 B.C.E., Marduk-nasir-apli, nicknamed Shirku, was eldest son of the fourth generation. After his father died in 522 B.C.E., he inherited leadership of the family business and ran it until 487 B.C.E.—or roughly during the reign of Persian king Darius I (521— 486 B.C.E.). Under his leadership, family business activities became increasingly involved with the institutions of Babylon, the temples and the palace, and their officials. The Egibi...