Belshazzar
Revision as of 06:13, 14 October 2011 by Gabriele Boccaccini (talk | contribs)
- ANCIENT SOURCES: see Belshazzar (sources)
- SCHOLARLY AND FICTIONAL WORKS: see Category:Belshazzar (subject)
Belshazzar (6th century BCE) was the son of last king of Babylon, Nabonidus.
Overview
The so-called Nabonidus Cylinder (6th century BCE) refers to Belshazzar as "the eldest son" of Nabonidus.
Belshazzar and the Jews
Belshazzar is mentioned in the Book of Daniel (ch.5) and the Book of Baruch (ch.1), where he is referred to as "the son" of Nebuchadnezzar and the last king of Babylon.
In the Book of Daniel, Belshazzar is accused of profaning the sacred vessels of the Jerusalem Temple in a banquet. As a punishment, the prophet announces the end of his kingdom.
Belshazzar in ancient sources
Nabonidus Cylinder
Book of Daniel
Book of Baruch
Belshazzar in Scholarship
Belshazzar in Fiction
The narrative of the book of Daniel has fascinated generations of artists and generated masterpieces such as the painting by Rembrandt or the oratorio by William Walton.