Chaldeans

From Astrowiki-en

Original term for the members of the people of the same name who lived in south Mesopotamia. In the 7th century before Christ the Chaldeans became the rulers of Babylon. Their most famous king was Nebucadnezzar 11. Under the Chaldean dynasty astronomy and astrology blossomed. Because of this their name became synonymous with astrologers and prophets. During the Roman Empire the name increasingly became a term of derision, because the vague astrological prophesies in popular astrology became increasingly frequent. Under the emperor Augustus at the turn of the first century several decrees were passed which banned all "Chaldeans" i.e. astrologers from the Roman Empire and banned all astrological literature. However, they weren't very successful because interest in astrology continued among the general public (see also History of Astrology).