Who was Marduk-zer-X?

Marduk-zer-X was a Babylonian king who ruled during the period of the 2nd Dynasty of Isin. He is identified as the 10th and penultimate ruler of this dynasty, which also corresponds to the 4th Dynasty of Babylon. His reign is estimated to have occurred around the early 11th century BC. Understanding rulers like Marduk-zer-X is key to piecing together the complex history of ancient Mesopotamian kingdoms.

What was the estimated period of Marduk-zer-X's reign?

According to recent scholarship, Marduk-zer-X reigned approximately from c. 1041 to 1030 BC. This dating has been revised from earlier estimates. These dates provide a crucial timeframe for understanding the political landscape of Babylon during that era.

How long did Marduk-zer-X reign, according to King List A?

King List A indicates that Marduk-zer-X ruled for a period of twelve years. This duration is a significant data point for historians reconstructing the chronology of Babylonian rulers.

Why is the name Marduk-zer-X written with an X at the end?

The X in Marduk-zer-X's name signifies that the final part of his name is unknown. This is because the principal historical sources that list him, namely King List A and the Synchronistic King List, are damaged in the section where his full name would be recorded. These king lists are crucial historical documents for reconstructing the succession of rulers in ancient Mesopotamia.

What uncertainty exists regarding the reading of the zer part of Marduk-zer-X's name?

The reading of the component zer in Marduk-zer-X's name is uncertain. Scholars suggest that the cuneiform character might actually be MU, which could correspond to the Akkadian word shuma or a similar term. Akkadian was the administrative and literary language of Babylonia for centuries.

Which Babylonian dynasty did Marduk-zer-X belong to?

Marduk-zer-X belonged to the 2nd Dynasty of Isin. This dynasty is also recognized as the 4th Dynasty of Babylon, indicating a sequence of ruling families that governed the region.

Who was Marduk-zer-X's predecessor on the throne of Babylon?

Marduk-zer-X's predecessor was Marduk-ahhe-eriba. Understanding the succession helps trace the lineage and political stability of the ruling dynasty.

Who succeeded Marduk-zer-X as the King of Babylon?

Marduk-zer-X was succeeded by Nabu-shum-libur. The sequence of rulers is fundamental to understanding the history of any kingdom.

Is the familial or dynastic relationship between Marduk-zer-X and his successor, Nabu-shum-libur, known?

No, the relationship between Marduk-zer-X and his successor, Nabu-shum-libur, is uncertain according to the available historical records. Dynastic succession was not always straightforward and could involve complex relationships or non-hereditary transitions.

What Assyrian ruler was contemporary with Marduk-zer-X?

Marduk-zer-X's contemporary in Assyria was Ashurnasirpal I. This highlights the interaction and parallel political developments between the major powers of Mesopotamia during this period.

What is the primary type of evidence used to identify Marduk-zer-X as a king?

Marduk-zer-X is primarily identified as a king through his appearance on ancient king lists, such as King List A and the Synchronistic King List. These lists are essential primary sources for reconstructing ancient Near Eastern history.

Are there any known inscriptions that date specifically to Marduk-zer-X's reign?

Currently, there are no inscriptions that have been definitively identified as being contemporaneous with Marduk-zer-X's reign. This lack of direct monumental evidence makes the king lists even more critical for his identification.

What does the image accompanying the article about Marduk-zer-X depict?

The image accompanying the article depicts Marduk-zer-X's name written in Akkadian script. This visual representation is provided as part of the source material, illustrating the ancient language used during his time.

What scholarly speculation exists regarding the Prophecy A text in relation to Marduk-zer-X's dynasty?

Some scholars, including Hallo and Younger, have speculated that the Prophecy A text refers to kings of this dynasty based on coincidences in their reign lengths. In this interpretation, Marduk-nadin-ahhe is identified as King III and Marduk-shapik-zeri as King IV. Prophetic texts often served to legitimize or comment on royal power in ancient cultures.

In the speculative interpretation of Prophecy A, which king is thought to represent Marduk-zer-X?

In the speculative interpretation of Prophecy A by scholars like Hallo and Younger, Marduk-zer-X is believed to be represented by King VI. This highlights how ancient texts are analyzed and interpreted to reconstruct historical figures.

What specific detail is mentioned in the fragmented text of King VI (speculatively Marduk-zer-X) within Prophecy A?

The fragmented text associated with King VI in Prophecy A mentions that the rivers were said to have filled with silt. This kind of detail, even if fragmented, offers potential insights into environmental or societal conditions described in ancient prophecies.

What discovery has challenged the interpretation of Prophecy A regarding the kings of this period?

The discovery of the Walker Chronicle has undermined the reconstruction of Prophecy A that suggested Adad-apla-iddina was a usurper, impacting the certainty of the speculative correlations with earlier kings. Historical interpretations are often revised based on new archaeological or textual evidence.

What are the main king lists cited as sources for information about Marduk-zer-X?

The primary king lists cited are King List A, identified by the tablet number BM 33332, and the Synchronistic King List, identified by the tablet number Assur 14646c. These cuneiform tablets are fundamental for establishing the sequence of Babylonian rulers.

What is the source reference for the Prophecy A text?

The Prophecy A text is referenced by the tablet numbers VAT 10179 and KAR 421. These identifiers help scholars locate and study the original documents.

What is the source reference for the Walker Chronicle?

The Walker Chronicle is referenced in the context of Babylonian Chronicle 25, found in Assyriological Studies presented to F. R. Kraus. Chronicles are important narrative sources for ancient history.

What are the revised dates for Marduk-zer-X's reign according to Paul-Alain Beaulieu (2018)?

According to Paul-Alain Beaulieu's 2018 research, Marduk-zer-X reigned approximately from c. 1041 to 1030 BC. Scholarly consensus on historical dates can evolve with new research and interpretations.

What were the previously estimated dates for Marduk-zer-X's reign before Beaulieu's revision?

Before Paul-Alain Beaulieu's revised chronology in 2018, Marduk-zer-X had previously been dated to approximately 1046–1033 BC. Historical dating is often subject to revision as new evidence emerges.

What previous assumption about Babylonian chronology was challenged by recent research cited in the notes?

Recent research, particularly by Beaulieu (2018), challenges the previous assumption that Marduk-kabit-ahheshu, the founder of the second dynasty of Isin, ruled concurrently with the last Kassite king. This necessitates a revised chronology for the kings following Marduk-kabit-ahheshu. Understanding these chronological shifts is vital for accurate historical sequencing.

What does the navbox indicate about Marduk-zer-X's position within the Second Dynasty of Isin?

The navbox indicates that Marduk-zer-X was the 10th king listed within the Second Dynasty of Isin (also referred to as Dynasty IV in the navbox context). Navboxes help visualize the relationship of a subject to a broader historical context.

What does the navbox list as the period for the Second Dynasty of Isin?

The navbox lists the period for the Second Dynasty of Isin (Dynasty IV) as part of the Middle Babylonian period, specifically from 1157–732 BC. This places Marduk-zer-X's reign within a larger historical era.

What does the term penultimate mean in relation to Marduk-zer-X's position in his dynasty?

Penultimate means second-to-last. Therefore, Marduk-zer-X was the second-to-last ruler of the 2nd Dynasty of Isin, indicating that only one king followed him.

What is the significance of the Fourth Dynasty of Babylon designation?

The designation Fourth Dynasty of Babylon signifies that the 2nd Dynasty of Isin, to which Marduk-zer-X belonged, is recognized as the fourth distinct ruling house in the historical sequence of Babylonian kings. This numbering system helps historians categorize and compare different periods of rule.

What does the term vcard in the infobox suggest about Marduk-zer-X?

The term vcard in the infobox is a technical classification often used for structured data about individuals, suggesting that the infobox is presenting Marduk-zer-X as a notable person with specific biographical attributes like title and reign dates.

What does the term fn in the infobox title class="infobox-above fn" likely stand for?

The term fn in the infobox title likely stands for full name or formatted name, indicating the primary identifier for the subject of the infobox, which is Marduk-zer-X.

What does the term infobox-subheader in the infobox indicate?

The term infobox-subheader indicates a secondary descriptive title or role, which in this case clarifies that Marduk-zer-X held the position of King of Babylon. This provides immediate context about his status.

What does the term photo in class="infobox-image photo" indicate?

The term photo in this context indicates that the element is an image, specifically a picture or graphic representation related to the subject, which in this case is Marduk-zer-X's name in Akkadian.

What does the term infobox-caption signify in relation to the image?

The term infobox-caption refers to the text that describes or explains the accompanying image, clarifying that it shows Marduk-zer-X's name in Akkadian. Captions are essential for understanding visual elements in informational contexts.

What does the abbreviation c. before the reign dates signify?

The abbreviation c. before the reign dates stands for circa, meaning approximately. It indicates that the dates provided are estimates rather than exact figures, which is common for ancient historical periods due to limited precise records.

What does the term infobox-label denote in the table structure of the infobox?

The term infobox-label denotes the descriptive text for a piece of information within the infobox, such as Reign, Predecessor, Successor, or House. These labels clearly identify the data that follows.

What does the term infobox-data denote in the table structure of the infobox?

The term infobox-data denotes the actual value or information corresponding to an infobox-label, such as the reign dates, names of predecessors or successors, or the dynastic house. This is the factual content associated with each label.

What does the term scope="row" in the table headers signify?

The attribute scope="row" in table headers typically indicates that the header cell defines the content of the row it belongs to, commonly used for labels in data tables like this infobox to associate data with its description.

What does the term scope="col" in the table headers signify?

The attribute scope="col" in table headers typically indicates that the header cell defines the content of the column it belongs to, used for titles or headings within a table to categorize the data in that column.

What does the term reference with a superscripted letter (e.g., ^a) signify?

The superscripted letters within the text, like ^a, indicate a footnote or endnote reference. These references point to the sources or provide additional context, allowing readers to verify information or learn more.

What does the term mw-heading signify in the structure of the article?

The term mw-heading indicates a section heading within the MediaWiki software used to structure the article, such as Biography or Inscriptions. These headings organize the content logically for readability.

What does the term mw-editsection signify?

The term mw-editsection signifies a link or element that allows users to edit a specific section of the MediaWiki page, indicated by the edit link. This feature is part of the collaborative nature of wikis.

What does the term references with an ordered list (ol class="references") signify?

This signifies the section containing the numbered citations or references that support the information presented in the article text. It provides the source material for the claims made.

What does the term navbox typically represent in Wikipedia articles?

A navbox is a navigational template, usually found at the bottom of Wikipedia pages, that helps users navigate between related articles. They are organized by categories like historical periods, dynasties, or lists, facilitating exploration of interconnected topics.

What does the term navbox-title represent within a navbox?

The navbox-title is the main heading or title of the navigational box, summarizing the topic it covers, such as Kings of Babylon. It clearly identifies the scope of the navigation template.

What does the term navbox-group represent within a navbox?

The navbox-group is used to categorize items within the navbox, often representing periods, dynasties, or other classifications. This helps organize the list of related articles or entities, making the template easier to use.

What does the term navbox-list represent within a navbox?

The navbox-list contains the actual links or items being presented within a specific group or category of the navbox. These lists allow users to navigate to related pages efficiently.

What does the term House refer to in the infobox entry for Marduk-zer-X?

The term House in the infobox refers to the dynastic lineage or ruling family to which Marduk-zer-X belonged. In his case, it is identified as the 2nd Dynasty of Isin.

What does the term King List A refer to?

King List A is one of the principal historical documents used to identify Babylonian kings and their succession. It is identified by the tablet number BM 33332 and provides crucial, though sometimes damaged, information about rulers like Marduk-zer-X.

What does the term Synchronistic King List refer to?

The Synchronistic King List is another key historical document that provides information on Babylonian rulers, often correlating them with Assyrian contemporaries. Identified by the tablet number Assur 14646c, it is essential for understanding the reign of Marduk-zer-X, despite its damaged state.

What does the term King III correspond to in the speculative interpretation of Prophecy A?

In the speculative interpretation of the Prophecy A text by scholars like Hallo and Younger, King III is thought to correspond to the ruler Marduk-nadin-ahhe.

What does the term King IV correspond to in the speculative interpretation of Prophecy A?

In the speculative interpretation of the Prophecy A text by scholars like Hallo and Younger, King IV is thought to correspond to the ruler Marduk-shapik-zeri.

What does the term King VI correspond to in the speculative interpretation of Prophecy A?

In the speculative interpretation of the Prophecy A text by scholars like Hallo and Younger, King VI is believed to represent Marduk-zer-X.

Marduk-zer-x Wiki: Chronicles of the Tigris: Marduk-zer-X and the Second Isin Dynasty

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Overview: A Fragmented Legacy

King of Babylon

Marduk-zer-X, whose reign is provisionally dated to approximately 1041–1030 BC, held the esteemed title of King of Babylon. He was the tenth and penultimate ruler of the Second Dynasty of Isin, which also constituted the Fourth Dynasty of Babylon. This period represents a complex era in Mesopotamian history, marked by shifting political landscapes and the challenges of maintaining royal authority.

An Incomplete Name

The precise full name of this monarch remains elusive due to the damaged state of primary historical records. Specifically, the principal sources, the King List A and the Synchronistic King List, are incomplete at the point where his full name would be inscribed. Consequently, the designation "Marduk-zer-X" is employed, with the "X" signifying the unknown element. Furthermore, the reading of the character "zer" itself is subject to scholarly debate, with some suggesting it might be read as šuma or a similar Akkadian term.

Reign Duration

According to the King List A, Marduk-zer-X ruled for a period of twelve years. While this provides a quantitative measure of his time on the throne, the scarcity of contemporaneous inscriptions directly attributed to his reign limits our detailed understanding of his administrative policies, military campaigns, or significant building projects. His existence and reign are primarily established through these king lists.

The Reign of Marduk-zer-X

The Second Dynasty of Isin

Marduk-zer-X was a member of the Second Dynasty of Isin, a significant ruling house in Babylonian history. This dynasty emerged following the Kassite period, navigating a complex geopolitical environment. The stability and authority of rulers during this era were often tested by internal pressures and external threats, including the rising power of Assyria to the north.

Assyrian Contemporaries

During Marduk-zer-X's reign, his contemporary in Assyria was King Aššur-nāṣir-apli I. The relationship between Babylon and Assyria during this period was often characterized by a delicate balance of power, marked by periods of both conflict and diplomatic engagement. Understanding these regional dynamics is crucial for contextualizing Marduk-zer-X's rule.

Succession

Following Marduk-zer-X's twelve-year reign, the throne of Babylon passed to Nabu-šuma-libūr. The exact nature of Nabu-šuma-libūr's relationship to Marduk-zer-X is not definitively established by the available historical records, adding another layer of complexity to the dynastic succession of this period.

Historical Context and Sources

Primary Sources: King Lists

Our knowledge of Marduk-zer-X is primarily derived from cuneiform king lists. The King List A (BM 33332) and the Synchronistic King List (A.117) are pivotal documents that record the succession of Babylonian rulers. The damage to these lists at the relevant juncture necessitates careful interpretation and highlights the fragmentary nature of our understanding of this period.

Scholarly Interpretation: Prophecy A

There has been scholarly speculation, notably by figures such as Hallo and Younger, suggesting that the ancient text known as Prophecy A may allude to the kings of the Second Isin Dynasty. In this interpretation, King III might correspond to Marduk-nādin-aḫḫē, and King IV to Marduk-šāpik-zēri, based on coincidences in their recorded reign lengths. Marduk-zer-X would then be represented by King VI in this scheme, with the textual fragments suggesting that the rivers filled with silt during his rule.

This reconstruction, however, is not without its challenges. The correlation between the prophecies and the known reigns of subsequent kings is often poor, and the textual evidence is frequently broken. Furthermore, the identification of Adad-apla-iddina as a usurper, which underpins some of these chronological arrangements, has been questioned by discoveries such as the Walker Chronicle. Therefore, the connection between Prophecy A and Marduk-zer-X remains a subject of academic discussion rather than established fact.

Scholarly Notes and Chronology

Revised Chronology

Previous scholarly consensus placed Marduk-zer-X's reign earlier, around 1046–1033 BC. However, recent research, particularly by Paul-Alain Beaulieu (2018), suggests a revised chronology. Beaulieu's updated dates for Marduk-zer-X are approximately 1041–1030 BC. This revision is part of a broader re-evaluation of the chronology of kings following Marduk-kabit-aḫḫešu, the founder of the dynasty, challenging earlier assumptions about concurrent reigns with the late Kassite rulers.

Source Material Limitations

The study of this period is inherently constrained by the nature of the surviving evidence. The primary sources are often fragmentary, requiring extensive interpretation and cross-referencing. The lack of extensive administrative or monumental records from Marduk-zer-X's specific reign means that much of our understanding relies on comparative analysis with adjacent periods and the careful, often speculative, reconstruction of dynastic sequences and events.

References

Source Citations

The following references provide the foundational data and scholarly interpretations discussed on this page:

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References

A full list of references for this article are available at the Marduk-zer-X Wikipedia page

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Academic and AI Generated Content Notice

This page has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence, synthesizing information from the provided source text, which is derived from Wikipedia. The content is intended for advanced academic study and informational purposes, aimed at Master's degree level students and above.

Historical Interpretation: The information presented regarding Marduk-zer-X, particularly concerning the interpretation of fragmented texts like Prophecy A and the precise dating of his reign, reflects current scholarly understanding and ongoing academic debate. The limitations of ancient source materials mean that certain aspects of his rule remain subject to interpretation and revision.

Accuracy and Completeness: While every effort has been made to adhere strictly to the provided source of truth and to present information accurately and comprehensively within its scope, the inherent nature of historical research and AI content generation means that absolute completeness or infallibility cannot be guaranteed. Users are encouraged to consult primary sources and scholarly works directly for in-depth research.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Chronicles of the Tigris

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Overview: A Fragmented Legacy ℹ️

👑 King of Babylon

❓ An Incomplete Name

⏳ Reign Duration

The Reign of Marduk-zer-X 📜

🏛️ The Second Dynasty of Isin

🤝 Assyrian Contemporaries

➡️ Succession

Historical Context and Sources 🌍

📜 Primary Sources: King Lists

🔮 Scholarly Interpretation: Prophecy A

Scholarly Notes and Chronology 🔬

⏱️ Revised Chronology

📚 Source Material Limitations

References 🔗

📖 Source Citations

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📜 Academic and AI Generated Content Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview: A Fragmented Legacy

King of Babylon

An Incomplete Name

Reign Duration

The Reign of Marduk-zer-X

The Second Dynasty of Isin

Assyrian Contemporaries

Succession

Historical Context and Sources

Primary Sources: King Lists

Scholarly Interpretation: Prophecy A

Scholarly Notes and Chronology

Revised Chronology

Source Material Limitations

References

Source Citations

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Academic and AI Generated Content Notice