Chaldeans
Chaldean has both a historical and a modern meaning.
History
A Hellenistic term for the Ancient Babylonians.
The Chaldeans seized the Assyrian capital, Ninevah (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 Chaldeansâ 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 Nebuchadnezzarâs downfall. Under the rule of Nebuchadnezzarâs son, Belshazzar, Daniel witnessed the writing on the wall, which he interpreted as a sign of Belshazzarâs 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. The speak a language called "Chaldean" or "Syriac", which is a branch of Aramaic. They are closely related to modern Assyrians. Many Chaldeans have immigrated to the U.S. from Iraq due to anti-Christian persecution.[1] There are large Chaldean communities in Los Angeles and Detroit.[2]