Below is the fourteenth in a series of articles from Mark McLaughlin showcasing the 16 civilizations in Ancient Civilizations of the Middle East. You can find the first thirteen articles in the series here.

While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The Chaldeans made out three bands, and fell upon the camels, and have carried them away, yea, and slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.

Job 1:17

The Chaldeans were renowned for their advances in astronomy and astrology.  Their commitment to and support of these and other sciences made them the intellectual powerhouse of their time. They also knew how to put that learning into practice to take over Babylon, which they ruled for a short time. The Chaldeans, however, soon were assimilated into the culture of the conquered, so much so that they are also referred to as the “Neo-Babylonians.” The best known of these Chaldean/Neo-Babylonians is no less a character than Nebuchadnezzar – the king who sacked Jerusalem, destroyed Solomon’s Temple, and forced the Jewish people into the “Babylonian Captivity” (which, to be technical, could also be called the (“Chaldean Captivity.”)

In the game, the Chaldeans have a unique potential to draft their hand. They not only draw three additional cards, but also then choose which cards of their entire hand they wish to keep and which three to discard. While the overall number of cards in their hand does not change, the ability to design their hand to best support their goals or strengthen their strategy is an advantage that should not be underestimated by their opponents. Furthermore, Chaldea’s homeland, located in a corner of the map near the Persian Gulf and on the most southern fringe of the Fertile Crescent, provides them some measure of protection against rivals as well as opportunities for expansion.

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Ancient Civilizations of the Middle East: Meet the Sumerians

Ancient Civilizations of the Middle East: Meet the Egyptians

Ancient Civilizations of the Middle East: Meet the Elamites

Ancient Civilizations of the Middle East: Meet the Indus Valley Civilizations (or “Dravidians, Harappans, and Mauryans, oh my!”)

Ancient Civilizations of the Middle East: Meet the Assyrians

Ancient Civilizations of the Middle East: Meet the Akkadians

Ancient Civilizations of the Middle East: Meet the Babylonians

Ancient Civilizations of the Middle East: Meet the Hittites

Ancient Civilizations of the Middle East: Meet the Mittani

Ancient Civilizations of the Middle East: Meet the Sea Peoples

Ancient Civilizations of the Middle East: Meet the Israelites

Ancient Civilizations of the Middle East: Meet the Cimmerians

Ancient Civilizations of the Middle East: Meet the Medes & Persians