The Nebuchadnezzar of the Bible is the second of up to four Nebuchadnezzars from ancient Mesopotamia (605 to 562 B.C.). He was a ruthless ruler who brought Babylonia to the pinnacle of its power and prosperity. Under his leadership the Babylonians conquered Jerusalem in 587 BCE and destroyed the Temple that Solomon had built. In order to secure his control over the area, he had many of the people of Jerusalem exiled to Babylon.