Question: How historically accurate is the libretto of Verdi's Nabucco? Did Nebuchudnezzer actually seek reconciliation with the Jews? I can't find that in any history books or the Bible. It's a good story nevertheless! Thanks, Diva

Diva: Nebucadnezzar laid siege to Jerusalem four times, removing articles of worship from the temple and taking many Hebrew captives. It appears, from Scripture, that he recognized and honored the God of Israel on various occasions, but without lasting belief and commitment. He was indeed insane for a period with some sort of wild animal complex, after which he returned to his palace and continued to rule until his death in 562 BC. Babylon fell in 539 BC to the Persian Cyrus the Great, under whom the Jewish remnant returned to rebuild Jerusalem.