Chaldea

Babylonie chaldeens

Chaldea - Map - Chaldea and Neighboring Countries

East-Hem 1000bc

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East-Hem 600bc

Chaldea was an ancient Semitic-speaking nation that existed between the late 10th or early 9th and mid-6th centuries BC in the southernmost part of Mesopotamia (present-day Iraq). It is known for its contributions to early astronomy, mathematics, and for its role in the development of the Babylonian Empire.

History

Chaldea's history is closely intertwined with that of the broader region of Mesopotamia, an area that saw the rise and fall of many ancient civilizations. The Chaldeans emerged as a distinct group in the late 10th or early 9th century BC, initially settling in the southeastern part of Mesopotamia. Over time, they gained political power, culminating in the establishment of the Neo-Babylonian Empire by Nabopolassar in 626 BC. This empire reached its zenith under the rule of his son, Nebuchadnezzar II, who is famed for the construction of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the destruction of Jerusalem's Solomon's Temple in 586 BC.

Culture

The Chaldeans made significant advances in the fields of astronomy and mathematics, which were integral aspects of their religious practices and daily life. They are credited with the development of the Babylonian calendar, which influenced the calendars of later civilizations. Their observations and calculations in astronomy laid the groundwork for future astronomers in both the Greek and Islamic worlds.

Religion

Chaldean religion was polytheistic, with a pantheon of gods similar to that of the wider Mesopotamian region. Marduk was one of the chief deities, particularly revered in Babylon. Religious practices included divination, the interpretation of dreams, and the use of astrology to predict future events, which were believed to be the will of the gods.

Legacy

The legacy of Chaldea is most visible in its contributions to astronomy and mathematics, which were passed down through the ages. The fall of the Chaldean Empire in 539 BC, when it was conquered by the Persian Empire under Cyrus the Great, marked the end of Chaldean political independence but not the influence of their scientific and cultural achievements.

See Also

• Babylon
• Mesopotamia
• Nebuchadnezzar II
• Babylonian calendar