Nebuchadrezzar II was a war­rior by necessity, but a builder by disposition.The funds collected from his states helped fi­nance his civic improvements.

Babylon reached its zenith under Nebuchadrezzar II, when its outer wall—built to the northeast of the city center, shown above—contained a total urban area of over three square miles.

“Despite the fateful part he played in Judah’s history, Nebuchadrezzar [Nebuchadnezzer is sometimes referred to this way] is seen in Jewish tradition in a predominantly favorable light ...