Nabopolassar Seizes Control Over Babylonia

Nabopolassar's rise to power marked a pivotal shift in the control of Babylonia, as he garnered significant support from the local population. The majority of Babylonia's inhabitants rallied behind him, while only the city of Nippur and some northern regions remained loyal to the Assyrian king, Sin-sharishkun. This support was crucial for Nabopolassar, as it provided him with the necessary backing to challenge the Assyrian dominance in the region. Despite this initial success, Nabopolassar faced considerable challenges in consolidating his control over Babylonia. For the next four years, he had to contend with an Assyrian army that was entrenched in the region, actively working to displace him from power. The Assyrian king, although facing his own difficulties, was unable to fully focus on expelling Nabopolassar due to ongoing revolts in Nineveh, which weakened his position and resources. This internal strife within the Assyrian ranks allowed Nabopolassar to maintain his foothold and gradually strengthen his influence over Babylonia, setting the stage for future developments in the region.