When attempting to write a detailed biographical essay on an individual who lived twenty-seven centuries ago, one may find themselves overwhelmed by the lack of tangible evidence presented. Not only is the evidence difficult to come across, but most often, it seems to contradict itself. Furthermore, it appears the Germans and Italians are far more interested in the history of Mesopotamia than we. I cannot count the amount of times my searches were ended by books entitled, Hethitische or Hethiter. It is noteworthy to understand the complexity of an ancient historian's situation. How is one to comprehend, truly comprehend, the lives of people and cultures that existed long before our civilization was even conceptualized if we are yet unable to discover the truths behind such immediate events as the identities of "Jack the Ripper" or John F. Kennedy's assassin? And yet, I found myself enthralled by a character that, more than any other, filled my imagination with fantasies of tremendous power and splendor. My mind raced as my imagination wandered long ago to the height of Babylonian supremacy under the great King Nebuchadnezzar II. His name is mentioned over one hundred times in the Bible and his military campaigns changed the shape of the world for five decades. He was born into Chaldean culture. These were nomadic peoples who had recently gained power in Babylonia. He reigned as king from 605-562 BC. Although his accomplishments barely outlived him, he single-handedly rebuilt an empire that lay dormant for six hundred years to a status of grandeur and elegance unmatched by any of its time. Finally, he renovated Babylon to such an extent that its majestic beauty surpassed anything that existed in the ancient world and enchants modern day visitors worldwide hungry to catch a glimpse of the great king's magnificence.
             In the Talmud, Nebuchadnezar is presented as "Nebuchadnezzar the Dwarf." And yet, the...