Siege of Jerusalem and the Babylonian Captivity
586 BCE · Jerusalem · World · Ancient
The Babylonian army besieged the city for about a year and a half; after it fell, they burned the Temple and carried off many of Judah's elite to Babylon.
Belligerents
Neo-Babylonian Empire
- Commanders
- Nebuchadnezzar II
- Strength
- Babylonian besieging army
Kingdom of Judah
- Commanders
- Zedekiah
- Strength
- Jerusalem garrison
Background
Encouraged by Egypt, King Zedekiah of Judah rebelled against Babylonian suzerainty, and Nebuchadnezzar sent troops a second time to crush him.
Course of the battle
- Long siegeThe Babylonian army laid a long siege to Jerusalem, cutting off its supplies
- Temple burnedAfter the city falls, the Temple and royal palace are burned
- Elite carried into captivityLarge numbers of Judahite nobles and artisans were carried off to Babylon
Outcome at a glance
| Date | 586 BCE |
|---|---|
| Place | Jerusalem |
| Result | The Babylonian army besieged the city for about a year and a half; after it fell, they burned the Temple and carried off many of Judah's elite to Babylon. |
| Winner | Neo-Babylonian Empire |
| Casualties | Famine in the city was severe, and many inhabitants died or were taken captive. |
| Territorial change | The Kingdom of Judah fell, and large numbers of Jews were forcibly removed to Babylon (the Babylonian Captivity). |
Impact
A major turning point in Jewish history, it led to the later return from exile and the rebuilding of the Second Temple in the Persian period.
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