Kandalanu, the ruler of Babylon (647-627 BC) between historical truth and political identityA study of existence and lineage

Abstract

     The intention of this study is to investigate the truth or lack thereof of the historical existence of the Babylonian ruler Kandalanu, as the events that took place during the second half of the seventh century BC were characterized by ambiguity, and this was evident in the emergence of this obscure historical figure who was known as. Studies that dealt with the history of Babylon during the reign of the Assyrian king Ashurbanipal (668-631 BC) differed on many issues related to this ruler Kandalanu, which sparked a wide controversy among researchers about his truth. One of the most prominent manifestations of this difference is the truth of his existence as an independent Babylonian ruler who took the throne after the end of the war between the brothers Ashurbanipal and his brother Shamas shum Ukin, or just a symbolic Babylonian name carried by the Assyrian king Kandalanu.