Slavery has left an undeniable mark on human history, with societies throughout history exploiting vulnerable populations for economic gain. However, the ancient kingdom of Neo-Babylon (first established by King Nebuchadnezzar) and the United States demonstrate a rather uncanny parallel between the development of their economic prosperity in connection to their agricultural-oriented slave-trade (Revelations 18:13.)
Historical Context - Neo-Babylon
The Neo-Babylonian Empire, flourishing from 626 BCE to 539 BCE, characterized the pinnacle era for ancient Mesopotamian civilization. At its core, the economy was founded on agriculture: The labor of enslaved individuals played a vital role in cultivating crops, contributing to the surplus that sustained the ruling elite. The Neo-Babylonians, like many ancient societies, relied on forced labor to achieve economic prosperity. However, the fertile lands of Mesopotamia allowed for a particular need towards having a substantial workforce dedicated towards taking advantage of such labor-intensive resources. One can argue that draws comparison to the United States’ fertile soil of the south (and later the west, such as in case of California’s ‘Bread Basket’) acting as one of the main catalysts for the African American slave trade.
Economic Foundations and Slave Labor
In Neo-Babylon, enslaved individuals had a high probability of working in agriculture, contributing to the production of food and other resources. The surplus generated by slave labor was essential for supporting the ruling classes, funding grand construction projects, and maintaining a luxurious lifestyle. The Neo-Babylonian economy, in many ways, thrived on the exploitation of a captive workforce. Equivocally, it wasn’t uncommon of Neo-Babylon culture to pride itself of the bondage from its slaves with art of individuals bound by restraints as they worked on building monuments and temples for their captors (highly reminiscent of American artwork of Africans arriving in chains to the United States.)
Chattel Slavery and Dehumanization
Both in Neo-Babylon and the United States, the practice of treating individuals as property was prevalent. Chattel slavery, characterized by the buying, selling, and inheritance of enslaved people, was a fundamental aspect of both societies. This dehumanization served to reinforce a hierarchical structure, where the enslaved were mere commodities, existing solely for the economic benefit of their owners.
Economic Prosperity and Elite Wealth
The economic benefits derived from slavery in both societies contributed to the accumulation of wealth among the ruling classes. In Neo-Babylon, the surplus generated by slave labor funded monumental construction projects and supported opulent lifestyles. Similarly, in the United States, Southern plantation owners amassed considerable fortunes through the forced labor of enslaved individuals, propelling the economic prosperity of the region. Just as the palaces of Neo-Babylon were made by on the backs of slaves, the same could be said of the large homes of plantations particularly associated with the American south.
Social Hierarchies and Inequality
The exploitation of slave labor in both cases perpetuated social hierarchies and exacerbated wealth inequality. The ruling elite in Neo-Babylon and the Southern United States maintained their privileged positions by relying on the labor of a subjugated workforce. This economic model resulted in profound social disparities and deeply entrenched class divisions.
Abolition and Legacy
In both societies, slavery eventually faced challenges. In the United States, the abolitionist movement gained momentum, leading to the Emancipation Proclamation (1863) and the subsequent abolition of slavery with the 13th Amendment (1865). In Neo-Babylon, the decline of the empire marked the end of this particular system of forced labor.
Nevertheless, the legacies of slavery persist, shaping the cultural, social, and economic landscapes of both regions. In particular, the diaspora of the people conquered by the Neo-Babylon just as the Jewish population after the invasion of Israel, “Archaeological studies have revealed that, although the city of Jerusalem was utterly destroyed, other parts of Judah continued to be inhabited during the period of the exile. Most of the exiled did not return to their homeland, instead travelling westward and northward.
Many settled in what is now northern Israel, Lebanon, and Syria.” Just as, if not even more culturally profound—In the case of the United States, you have African slaves of nearly 400 years ago, now with descendants permanently scattered throughout the U.S. and its Caribbean territories (i.e., Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands) and establishing 13% of the total population of the most recent census.
Fall of Neo-Babylon
When Babylon was at its strongest, it was like a fortress, stocked with enough supplies to endure a two-decade-long siege, discouraging anyone who thought about attacking. The city was neatly arranged in square blocks with lovely three to four-story houses. There were also amazing parks and gardens, including the famous hanging gardens, known as wonders of the ancient world. These gardens, built on different levels with big trees, were connected by a massive 660-foot-long and 30-foot-wide bridge over the Euphrates River, linking the city's two halves. Significant structures included the king's palace, an eight-story temple of Bel, and various other buildings.
During the siege of Babylon, the Medes cleverly redirected water by digging a canal under the city wall. This happened at the same time as Belshazzar's big feast (son of Nebuchadnezzar II), allowing the Medes to slip into the city unnoticed through the dry channel. The festivities distracted the inhabitants from keeping a careful watch on the walls. As a result, the Medes took control of the city before their presence was fully realized. At that very moment, as the Medes entered the city, mysterious writing appeared on the wall, foretelling Babylon's downfall (Daniel 5:5, 24-28).