r. 605-562 B.C.

King of Babylonia who founded the Babylonian Empire and made it the primary military power in the Middle East. When his father, who was governor of Babylon, revolted against Assyria, Nebuchadnezzar became commander of the army. His father soon died and Nebuchadnezzar became king. Babylonia prospered under his rule. Extensive territory was added, and he completed numerous construction projects. Nebuchadnezzar's forces destroyed Jerusalem in 586 B.C. and took many Jews back to Babylon as slaves.