Although the name Babylonian Captivity suggests imprisonment or enslavement, evidence from biblical literature and cuneiform tablets indicates that many Judaeans in exile were resettled in communities grouped by family or occupation, given land to cultivate, and treated as tenant subjects of the Neo-Babylonian empire. They paid taxes and could be required to serve in the military. Some Judaean rulers were imprisoned and others killed in Babylonia, but this was unlikely the typical treatment. Nevertheless, exile involved severe emotional and social disruption, and Jews sought to maintain their religious and communal identity in a foreign land.
verifiedCite
While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies.
Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.
Select Citation Style