or Nebuchadnezzar
born 0441; 630
died 0441; 561BC
Second and greatest king of the Chaldean dynasty of Babylonia .
He began his military career as an administrator ( 0441; 610 BC) and ascended the throne on his father's death, just after winning Syria from the Egyptians (605 BC). He attacked Judah, capturing Jerusalem in 597 and recapturing it in 587/586, and deporting prominent citizens to Babylon . He devoted time and energy to restoring Babylon, by paving roads, rebuilding temples, and digging canals. At least in folk tradition, he is credited with building the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.