Name Nebuchadnezzar III Role Nabonidus' son | Parents Nabonidus | |
Nebuchadnezzar III ruled over Babylon (c. 522 BC). He claimed to be the second son of Nabonidus.
He led a short-lived rebellion against Darius I of Persia, who routed his army in battle at the Tigris on December 13, 522 BC, and then at the Euphrates near Zazannu. Nebuchadnezzar III fled back to his capital with his remaining cavalry.
Darius subsequently besieged the high-walled city of Babylon, succeeding in taking the capital, and Nebuchadnezzar III was put to death.
His exact identity is uncertain. According to the Behistun Inscription, Darius claimed that he was an impostor called Nidinta-Bel, but some historians consider that he probably did have some connection with the previous Babylonian royal family.
He should not be confused with Nebuchadnezzar IV, who led a similar revolt against the Persians around a year later.