---
title: The Babylonian King Nabonidus
author: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/8412/the-babylonian-king-nabonidus/
format: machine-readable-alternate
updated: 1970-01-01
---

# The Babylonian King Nabonidus

_Authored by [Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/OsamaSMAmin/)_

## Image File

[![The Babylonian King Nabonidus](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/8412.jpg)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/8412.jpg)

## Image Caption

This is a detail of a Babylonian basalt stele. Here the figure of the king, Nabonidus was carved in relief on the obverse side of the stele. The king stands and wears a conical headdress as well as a long fringed garment. The right hand is raised and holds an unidentified small conical object while the left hand grasps a long ringed staff; the staff appears to support something, which is now damaged; the remaining outline suggests a moon crescent. The objects he holds represent justice and power. The king looks to the right, where three divine symbols ([Shamash](https://www.worldhistory.org/Utu-Shamash/), [Ishtar](https://www.worldhistory.org/ishtar/), and Sin) were carved; part of the symbol of the moon [god](https://www.worldhistory.org/God/), Sin, appears. Nabonidus was the last king of [Babylon](https://www.worldhistory.org/babylon/). He made Sin the supreme god of Babylon while downgrading other Mesopotamian deities. Neo-Babylonian Period, reign of Nabonidus, 556-539 BCE. Probably from Babylon, Southern [Mesopotamia](https://www.worldhistory.org/Mesopotamia/), modern-day Iraq. (The British Museum, London).

#### Editorial Review

This human-authored image has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/).

## About the Author

Associate Professor of Neurology and lover of the Cradle of Civilization, Mesopotamia. I'm very interested in Mesopotamian history and always try to take photos of archaeological sites and artifacts in museums, both in Iraq and around the world.
- [Facebook Profile](https://www.facebook.com/MRCPian)
- [Linkedin Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/osama-shukir-muhammed-amin/)

## Cite This Work

### APA
Amin, O. S. M. (2018, March 22). The Babylonian King Nabonidus. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/8412/the-babylonian-king-nabonidus/>
### Chicago
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "The Babylonian King Nabonidus." *World History Encyclopedia*, March 22, 2018. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/8412/the-babylonian-king-nabonidus/>.
### MLA
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "The Babylonian King Nabonidus." *World History Encyclopedia*, 22 Mar 2018, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/8412/the-babylonian-king-nabonidus/>.

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/OsamaSMAmin/ "User Page: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin"), published on 22 March 2018. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Copyright](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copyright). You cannot use, copy, distribute, or modify this item without explicit permission from the author. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.