Belshazzar

Belshazzar, (Greek: Βαλτάζαρ, Baltázar, from Akkadian: 𒂗𒈗𒋀, Bēl-šar-uṣur, meaning "Bel protect the king"), oldest son of Nabonidus, presumably reigned more or less as co-regent from his father's usurpation in 556 to 539 BC. He was the last effective king / co-regent of the Neo-Babylonian Empire ending with his death on the night of Babylon's capture (3rd of Arahsamna/Oct-Nov.) by the forces of Cyrus.

If the Nabonidus Chronicle is to be believed, Nabonidus seems to have ruled remotely through Belshazzar for as many as 10 years, while he dwelt at the Arabian oasis of Tayma (possibly in an effort to control lucrative Arabian trade routes). This means that the people, government and army officials saw Belshazzar more than the official king. Likewise the Nabonidus Chronicle states that Nabonidus returned in December 540 (possibly January 539); for which it is commonly held due to the rising threat Cyrus' forces.

Some note as evidence of Belshazzar's subordinate role in his co-regency, that Belshazzar offered the prophet Daniel to be third ruler in the kingdom because he didn't have authority to promote Daniel any higher.

Historical Identification

For centuries the identity of Belshazzar lay lost to history, preserved only in the Book of Daniel, consequentially used by many as a challenge to the historical accuracy of said volume. Modern scholarship having discovered the Nabonidas cylinders notes thereby that Belshazzar was the oldest son of Nabonidas who as he left of Tema (or Tayma) left Belshazzar in charge.

Debated Points

Some suggest that scenes recorded in the Book of Daniel's lavish party as a coronation festival as Belshazzar seized the throne. This point is negated by some claiming that the festival was the annual drunken and debauched fertility festival celebrating the union of Nimrod & Semarimis (the forerunner of the modern Easter).^{[Citation Needed]} Meanwhile others^{[Citation Needed]} working from the ancient custom of 'apprentice kings' (thus creating a clear line of succession), note that Belshazzar offers the Prophet Daniel to be third in the kingdom: as Nabonidas was the first, Belshazzar was the second and Daniel was made the third ruler in the kingdom.