[MHGinTN]

Here is a further aside regarding the veracity of the Bible. Where the scriptures translate in verse 5:2 Book of Daniel, the Hebrew word ‘av’ to read father, it can also be translated as ancestor or predecessor; Belshazzar was not the direct son of Nebuchadnezzar but he was descended from him through his mother who married Nabonides.

Nabonides is considered the last great king of Babylon. His relationship with the previous Kings of Babylon is unclear, perhaps he was once a great general, but he came to the throne by overthrowing a young king named Labashi-Marduk.

It is likely Nabonides substantiated his claim to the throne by marrying Nitocris, a daughter of Nebuchadnezzar, since he was not a blood relative to Nebuchadnezzar.

Being a religious eccentric, in 549 BC Nabonides left Babylon to live at Teyma (Tema) located in what is now Saudi Arabia northeast of Hijaz, where the ancient trade route between Medina and Dumah crosses the Nefud desert.

While on religious sojourn Nabonides left his son behind to rule in Babylon, but Belshazzar never fully came to the throne. Skeptics believed that the writer of Daniel made an historical error in calling Belshazzar king, but when Belshazzar told Daniel that if he could interpret the strange writing on the wall he (Daniel) would be granted authority in the kingdom as third ruler, the scriptures show a detail which lends credence to the account.

Belshazzar was not the first ruler of the kingdom, but he was in a secondary position, appointed to reign in Babylon while his father was away. By Babylonian tradition, all in the city with the secondary ruler would call him king. Belshazzar offered to Daniel third position, so the writer of the Book faithfully related the fact as a minor detail, and then much later archaeological evidence substantiated the trivia.

These findings in archaeology show that the writer of Daniel was telling of a real man named Belshazzar, thus the other details are likely true, also. These were no fables.

Of course, the way the name of Belshazzar became an accept actual person of Babylonian ruling household is a story in itself, how a discovered chit in a tower foundation named him.

[Cicero]

Interesting details, new to me.

[Utah Girl]

Interesting tidbit of history. Thanks for posting it.

[tang-soo]

Please take a few minutes and read this link for a truly amazing prophecy that was foretold over a hundred years earlier than the events of Daniel 5. The passage is found in Isaiah 44-45 and recounts how God revealed to the prophet how Babylon would be overthown - including naming the name - Cyrus. here

There may be better sites. I just choose this one after a search using the terms ...

Josephus Isaiah Daniel Cyrus Babylon river.

[djf]

It is somewhat remarkable that the Bible, as far as names and places go, is one of the single most verified pieces of ancient literature that exist. Probably rivaled only by the Roman and Egyptian records.

Damn the Romans for burning Alexandria!!