1. The Chaldeans Section 2

3. Chaldeans Sensed weakness of the Assyrians Conquered the Assyrians in 612 B.C. Called themselves Babylonians They were descendants of people in Hammurabi’s day Sensed weakness of the Assyrians Conquered the Assyrians in 612 B.C. Called themselves Babylonians They were descendants of people in Hammurabi’s day

4. Nebuchadnezzar Most famous Chaldean king Extended empire to Syria and Palestine Rebuilt city of Babylon Built “Hanging Gardens” in Babylon for homesick wife Most famous Chaldean king Extended empire to Syria and Palestine Rebuilt city of Babylon Built “Hanging Gardens” in Babylon for homesick wife

7. Culture Admired Sumerian culture Studied Sumerian language Built temples to Sumerian gods Admired Sumerian culture Studied Sumerian language Built temples to Sumerian gods

8. Babylon Richest city; 1 million people Police force Postal system Brick wall for protection Guarded by archers ziggurat (temple) and palace in center Richest city; 1 million people Police force Postal system Brick wall for protection Guarded by archers ziggurat (temple) and palace in center

9. Beautiful street near palace for parade of statue (Marduk – thought to bring good crops and peace in empire) Beyond center – houses and marketplaces Artisans – pottery, baskets, cloth Caravans (groups of traveling merchants) bought goods from markets Beautiful street near palace for parade of statue (Marduk – thought to bring good crops and peace in empire) Beyond center – houses and marketplaces Artisans – pottery, baskets, cloth Caravans (groups of traveling merchants) bought goods from markets

10. Babylon – Center of Science Astronomers studied and plotted the stars, moon, planets, and sun Created one of first sundials First to develop seven day week Astronomers studied and plotted the stars, moon, planets, and sun Created one of first sundials First to develop seven day week

11. Fall from Power Began to lose control 539 B.C. – became part of Persian Empire Began to lose control 539 B.C. – became part of Persian Empire