CONTENTS

CONTENTS Introduction 9 A . The Endof the Kingdom _ofJudah : Geopolitical Background ך under Assyrian Rule 20 1 . The Geopolitical Situation and the Geographic Region 1 Beyond the River 2 . The Region Across the River' 48 5 . The Rise of the Neo-Babylonian Dynasty and Its Interests Interests in Asia 38 4 . The Egyptian Empire of the XXVI ( Saite ) Dynasty and Its 3 . The End of the 'PaxAssy _riaca' Era 28 6 . The Babylonian-Egyptian Struggle ( 609-605 BCE ) 51 of Nebuchadrezzar II ' s Policy 59 1 . The Babylonian Domination of Hattu-land and the Characteristics B . Judah under Babylonian Rule  אל הספר