598 BC

598 BC marks a year in the 6th century BC, falling within the late Archaic period of the ancient world. Events and notable developments are often reconstructed based on archaeological evidence and surviving historical texts, which may be incomplete or subject to interpretation.

Important events associated with this year include:

• Babylonian Conquest of Jerusalem: King Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon besieged and captured Jerusalem. This event led to the exile of King Jehoiachin, his court, and many prominent citizens to Babylon, an event known as the Babylonian captivity or exile. The prophet Ezekiel was among those deported during this time.

• Appointment of Zedekiah as King of Judah: Following Jehoiachin's exile, Nebuchadnezzar II installed Zedekiah, Jehoiachin's uncle, as the new king of Judah. Zedekiah ruled as a vassal king under Babylonian control.

Due to the limitations of available records from this period, specific details regarding daily life, social structures, and precise timelines are often subject to scholarly debate and ongoing research. Reconstructions rely heavily on interpreting archaeological findings and corroborating information from different historical sources, understanding that these sources may reflect the perspectives and biases of their authors.