War consumed the world. Everything changed, politically, economically, and religiously. It would never be the same again, and the events have been recorded for us to learn from them. Empire of Gold is a chronicle crucial to both Christians and Jews, of great interest to historians, and just a good story for anyone else. It is a story of the supernatural and of God's grace in unendurable trials. It is a story of power, war, treachery, and romance, all in epic proportions. Even better, it is true. Who said history was boring? The prequel to the Empire of Gold Series, Foundations sets the stage for the extraordinary story of the Babylonian Captivity of the Jews. It covers the years of 628 to 610 BC. It introduces us to the people, places and politics of the ancient world. The lives and deeds of Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Daniel mix with those of the legendary Nebuchadnezzar, Cyrus the Great and the pharaohs of old as chaos erupts. Foundations covers the years 628 to 610 BC and sets the stage for what is to follow.

Contents

Introduction xi
Part 1: 628 BC REFORMATION 1
Chapter 1: The Child Prophet 3
Chapter 2: Zephaniah ben Cushi 14
Chapter 3: Death to Idolatry 25
PART 2: 627-622 BC THE ARK AND THE LAW 39
Chapter 4: Obedience and Deliverance 41
Chapter 5: The Ark of the Covenant 46
Chapter 6: The Law of Moses 53
Chapter 7: Huldah's Promise 59
Chapter 8: A New Era 65
PART 3: 618 BC SEALING THE WORD 69
Chapter 9: An Unexpected Calling 71
PART 4: 614 BC THE COALITION 85
Chapter 10: The Homecoming 87
Chapter 11: The Treaty of the Coalition 100
Chapter 12: The Feast 109
PART 5: 613 BC WAR 125
Chapter 13: The Barbarians 127
Chapter 14: A Treaty of Convenience 139
Chapter 15: The Loss of Takrit 147
Chapter 16: The Loss of Gozan 153
Chapter 17: The Loss of Anatho 159
Chapter 18: Shadushushan 169
Chapter 19: The Conspirators 176
Chapter 20: The River Road 182
Chapter 21: The Rod Star 186
Chapter 22: The Ammukani Rebellion 194
Chapter 23: LORD of Heaven 202
Chapter 24: A Golden Bribe 207
PART 6: 612 BC THE FALL OF NINEVEH 229
Chapter 25: The Yoke is Broken 231
Chapter 26: A Watery Barrier 237
Chapter 27: The Fall of Nineveh 249
Chapter 28: Clean Up 263
Chapter 29: Arbaces the Mede 266
Chapter 30: A New Capital 277
PART 7: 611 BC EMPIRES BORN 285
Chapter 31: The Bel Pihati 287
Chapter 32: The Persians 305
Chapter 33: Media-Persia 317
PART 8: 610 BC ASSYRIA SHATTERED 321
Chapter 34: A Hard Choice 323
Chapter 35: Assyria's Last Stand 330
Chapter 36: Desecretion 340
Chapter 37: The High Priestess 346
Chapter 38: The Fortress at the Crossroads 362
Chapter 39: The Governor of Harran 375
Chapter 40: The Bond of Friendship 382
Chapter 41: The Rights of Scythia 393
Chapter 42: The Taking of Egypt 398
EPILOGUE 411
ENDNOTES 415
APPENDICES 445
Appendix I: Who's Who 447
Appendix II: Time, Calendars, Measurements 459
Appendix III: Gods and Goddesses 463
Appendix IV: Map 469
Partial bibliography 471