NABOPOLASSAR Meaning and
Definition
-
Nabopolassar was a Neo-Babylonian king who reigned from 626 to 605 BCE. He is best known for establishing the Neo-Babylonian Empire, which lasted until 539 BCE and is often referred to as the Chaldean Empire.
Nabopolassar was born in the city of Babylon and rose to power after a series of military campaigns against the waning Assyrian Empire. He successfully led a rebellion against the the once-powerful Assyrians, ultimately capturing their capital, Nineveh, in 612 BCE. This marked the downfall of the Assyrian Empire and the ascendancy of the Neo-Babylonians as a new dominant force in Mesopotamia.
Under Nabopolassar's rule, Babylon became the capital of a vast empire that stretched from the Persian Gulf to the Mediterranean Sea. He implemented various reforms, improving the economy and infrastructure of his kingdom, and promoted cultural and religious renaissance in Babylon. Nabopolassar's reign also marked a turning point in Babylonian military strategy, as he initiated the use of alliances and coalitions to maintain his power.
Nabopolassar's legacy continued through his son, Nebuchadnezzar II, who expanded and fortified the empire, as well as undertook grand construction projects in Babylon, including the Hanging Gardens, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
In summary, Nabopolassar was a key figure in ancient Mesopotamian history who founded the Neo-Babylonian Empire and laid the foundation for its subsequent achievements, making Babylon a dominant power in the region for several decades.
Etymology of NABOPOLASSAR
The word Nabopolassar is derived from Akkadian, an ancient Semitic language of Mesopotamia. In Akkadian, nabu means to announce or to declare, and pal-usur means son of usurper. Therefore, the full name Nabopolassar can be translated as Nabu has declared or Nabu has proclaimed.
