Merodach-baladan

Merodach-baladan (mĕrˈōdăk-bălˈədăn), fl. 722–702 B.C., Chaldaean prince, who usurped (721) the Babylonian throne. Sargon of Assyria put down the allies of Merodach-baladan in Syria and Palestine and eventually drove (c.710) the usurper from Babylon. After Sargon's death, Merodach-baladan reoccupied (703–702) the throne. During his rule of Babylonia, he strengthened the Chaldaean Empire. He is also called Baladan and Berodach-baladan.