The famous King Nebuchadnezzar ruled the Neo-Babylonian Empire from around 605 B.C.E. until 562 B.C.E.  According to Judeo-Christian traditions, it was Nebuchadnezzar who led the conquest of Judah and destruction of the First Temple in Jerusalem. Nebuchadnezzar is also credited with constructing the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. It was also said that he was temporarily driven mad, illustrated in the image on the left.