The Chaldeans are one of the ancient peoples who conquered and inhabited the southern region of Mesopotamia known as Chaldea (present-day Iraq, Syria and Turkey).
They are cited in the Bible as the destroyers of Jerusalem who, under King Nebuchadnezzar, took the Jewish people into what became known as "Babylonian captivity" (exile).
Besides them, the Sumerians, Assyrians, Akkadians, Ammonites, Hittites, inhabited the region between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, called the Fertile Crescent, cradle of the first civilizations in history.
History
Of Arab origin, the Chaldeans occupied lands belonging to Mesopotamia. Alongside the Medes (average people) they defeated the Assyrians who lived there, thus forming a great empire:The "Second Babylonian Empire" or "Neo-Babylonian Empire".
For this reason, the Chaldeans are also called "New Babylonians". The first onslaught of the Chaldeans took place in 612 BC. with the capture of the Assyrian capital:Nineveh.
After the death of his father Nabopolassar, Nebuchadnezzar (604-562 BC) in 586 BC continued the conquest of lands and the rebuilding of cities that had been destroyed by wars. These are the two most important kings of the Chaldean empire and the rule of Nebuchadnezzar was one of the most heydays of Mesopotamia.
The capital of the Empire was Babylon, a beautiful city built with walls, palaces, shrines and temples. After the death of Nebuchadnezzar, who ruled for about 40 years, there was a weakening of the Empire and, from 539 BC, they were dominated by the Persians under the command of King Cyrus.
Key Features
Society
The Chaldeans were a Semitic people who conquered the region of Mesopotamia for having a warlike and violent character, making many slaves.
In terms of social organization, the society of the Chaldeans was based on the despotic and theocratic monarchy, where there was the king, who commanded the entire empire, and below him were the nobles, priests, merchants, small owners and slaves.
Economy
The main activities of most Mesopotamian peoples were agriculture, animal husbandry and trade.
However, with the conquest of the Chaldeans and the need to rebuild Babylon, at this stage the economy was generated by the construction service, although agriculture was an important activity to feed the people.
Religion
Like all Mesopotamian peoples, the religion of the Chaldeans was polytheistic, with the worship of several gods which were related to nature and animals. At the gate of the city of Babylon, a mosaic of Ishtar, the goddess of love and protector of the city, was made.
Culture
Nebuchadnezzar turned the city of Babylon into a great cultural center. Under his rule, several urban works were produced, from streets, gardens, walls, temples, palaces, of which the Hanging Gardens of Babylon and the Tower of Babel stand out.
In addition, they were pioneers in astrology and astronomy studies and in the advancement of mathematics studies. The so-called "Ur of the Chaldeans" corresponds to the Sumerian city that was occupied by this civilization.
Learn more about the topic :
- Babylonian Empire
- Fertile Crescent
- Mesopotamian Civilization
- People of Mesopotamia
- Mesopotamian Art