559 - 530 BCE- One of the great kings of Persia, Cyrus conquered many kingdoms and ruled them beneficently. Cyrus was responsible for the defeat of the Medes, the Chaldeans , the Lydians, and many other peoples. Cyrus had a reputation for mercy, and even allowed subject states to participate in governance …

The Eastern Mediterranean Region, Middle East into Asia- An enormous empire established in large part due to the expansive conquests of Cyrus the Great. The Persians had conquered nearly every Middle-Eastern civilization and created a huge empire by 500 BCE. The Persians were an Indo-European speaking people related to the …

The Eastern Mediterranean Region, Middle East- The Medes existed from 612- 539 BCE. Along with the Chaldeans , the Medes contributed to the conquest of the Assyrian Empire. The Medes originated in Iran, North East of the Arabian Peninsula. The Medes were conquered by the Persians and Cyrus the Great around …

Babylon, Middle East, Asia Minor- The Gardens of Babylon were a series of steps leading up to a plateau on an artificial mountain. The mountain was covered with an extravagant garden. The Gardens were irrigated with water piped to the top. It is said that the Gardens appeared suspended in …

605 - 562 BCE- Nebuchadnezzar II was the Chaldean ruler who established their independence from the Assyrians. Nebuchadnezzar sacked Palestine, sending the Hebrew people into exile, and destroying their religious centers, including their temple at Jerusalem. Nebuchadnezzar is noted for having constructed one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World …

The Levant, Eastern Mediterranean- The Chaldeans or Neo-Babylonians were a semitic speaking people with origins on the Arabian Peninsula. The Chaldeans and the Medes captured the Assyrian capital Nineveh in 612 BCE. This allowed them to establish a new monarchy. Nebuchadnezzar II finally defeated the Assyrians around 604 BCE, and …