china's place in ancient history: a fragment. 123 



B.C. 



against the common oppressor. Babylon was reduced by 



famine ; Samas-sum-ukin immolated himself. 

 625-606. jS'ineveh destroyed by a combined Babylonian and 



Median army ; the latter tinder Cyaxares. 

 604-5G1. Nebuchadnezzar captures Jerusalem, and led the Jews 



captive to Babylon. 

 538.* Under its last king, Nabonidus, Babylon is captured by 



Cyras. Jewish captivity ended. Dan. v. 

 616. Eevolt of Babylon ; but reconquered by the Persians. 

 381. As a result of the battle of Gaugamela, Babylon and its 



territoiy became subject to Alexander. 

 268. Berossus, the Chaldean historian, flourished. 



3. Egypt. 



978-71. The twenty-second dynasty or Bubastides began (?) 



971-966. Shishak or Sesonchis marched against Jerusalem and 

 plundered that city.f 



041. Zera, king of Ethiopia (and of Egypt) marched against 

 Asa, king of Judali, but was defeated by the latter. 



770. Under Sabachus the Ethiopians rose to great power^ and 

 took possession of that country. 



720-710. The twenty-tifth or Ethiopian dynasty under Saba- 

 chus or So, flourished. 



719-712. Sethos, a priest of Hephaestus, usurped the sovereignty ; 

 he neglected and slighted his army, so that on the 

 occasion of Egypt being invaded by Sennacherib the 

 soldiers refused to tight against the latter ; but with 

 suddenly raised volunteers he obtained victory at Pelu- 

 sium over the invaders. (2 Kings, chap, xix.) 



700-670. After two years of anarchy the Dodekarchy was 

 established, the kings composing it having been elected 

 by the people. To these twelve rulers has been assigned 

 the building of the Labyrinth, near Lake Moeris, to 

 serve as their common place of burial. Wars among 

 themselves were followed (b.c. 656) by the accession of 

 Psammetichus of 26th dynasty as ruler over all Egypt. 

 Historical uncertainty now ended ; writing came into 

 use ; hieroglyphics were gradually forgotten. 



* Ancient History, Schmitz, |p. 600. Babylon captured B.C. 538, the 

 Jews being permitted to return. In B.C. 536 the Decree on the subject 

 was issued. See also Helps to the Study of the Bible. 



t 1 Kings xiv, 25-28. 2 Chron. xii, 2-13. Dates differ by authorities 

 refei-red to. 



