Difference between revisions of "Chaldeans"
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| − | '''Chaldeans''' are an [[Eastern Rite]] [[Catholic]] minority originating in the [[Middle East]]. | + | '''Chaldeans''' are an [[Eastern Rite]] [[Catholic]] minority originating in the [[Middle East]]. Most speak a language called "Chaldean", or "Syriac", which is a branch of [[Aramaic]]. Chaldeans usually speak the dominant language of their country as well (usually [[Arabic]]). They are closely related to modern [[Assyrians]]. Many Chaldeans have immigrated to the U.S. from [[Iraq]] due to anti-Christian persecution.<ref>http://www.byzantines.net/epiphany/chaldean.htm</ref> Since the U.S. invasion of Iraq, it has been next to impossible for Chaldeans to immigrate to the U.S. any longer. Those fleeing persecution have gone to Syria, hardly a bastion of equal opportunity for Christians either. There are large Chaldean communities in Los Angeles and Detroit.<ref>http://www.chaldeanvoice.org/</ref> |
==References== | ==References== | ||
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Revision as of 19:31, May 14, 2007
Chaldean has both a historical and a modern meaning.
History
A Hellenistic term for the Ancient Babylonians.
The Chaldeans seized the Assyrian capital, Nineveh (from the story of Jonah), in 612 B.C., and destroyed it. They soon conquered all of Mesopotamia and Syria, as well as Judah in 586 B.C. ending the Jewish nation and beginning the exile. Although the Chaldeans only remained in power for fifty years, they were responsible for founding what is known as the Neo-Babylonian empire. Elaborate and beautiful palaces and buildings were constructed by the Chaldeans. The famous Hanging Gardens of Babylon were made during Chaldean rule.
The Chaldeans’ short reign is chronicled in the Biblical story of Daniel. As a teenager, Daniel was captured by the Chaldean army during its first attack on Jerusalem. While Daniel served under Nebuchadnezzar, one of only a few Chaldean kings, he interpreted dreams, witnessed the miraculous survival of Shadrach, Meschach and Aben-nego in the fiery furnace, and accurately predicted Nebuchadnezzar’s descent into madness before reclaiming his throne. Under the rule of Nebuchadnezzar’s son, Belshazzar, Daniel witnessed the writing on the wall, which he interpreted for Belshazzar as a sign of Belshazzar’s imminent downfall. The very next day, the Persians invaded, killed Belshazzar, and took over the Babylonian empire.
Modern Usage
Chaldeans are an Eastern Rite Catholic minority originating in the Middle East. Most speak a language called "Chaldean", or "Syriac", which is a branch of Aramaic. Chaldeans usually speak the dominant language of their country as well (usually Arabic). They are closely related to modern Assyrians. Many Chaldeans have immigrated to the U.S. from Iraq due to anti-Christian persecution.[1] Since the U.S. invasion of Iraq, it has been next to impossible for Chaldeans to immigrate to the U.S. any longer. Those fleeing persecution have gone to Syria, hardly a bastion of equal opportunity for Christians either. There are large Chaldean communities in Los Angeles and Detroit.[2]
