Nebuchadnezzar II, King of Babylon, 604-562 BCE

The greatest king of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, Nebuchadrezzar II is well known from the Bible as the king who destroyed Jerusalem in 587 BCE. He is also known for his spectacular building projects in Babylon, including the famous Hanging Gardens. For his projects, Nebuchadrezzar had each brick used in the construction stamped with his name and titles to assure that everyone knew who had built the structure.

The brick on exhibit holds the stamp of Nebuchadrezzar which reads:

Nebuchadrezzar, King of Babylon, the one who provides for the temples Esagila and Ezida, foremost son and heir of Nabopolassar, King of Babylon.

 

Brick with Stamp of Nebuchadnezzar II, King of Babylon
Babylon, Babylonia, modern Iraq, reign of Nebuchadrezzar II (604–562 BCE),
Neo-Babylonian Period (606–539 BCE). Baked clay.
Purchase
1976.01.0001