Nabonidus vs Pertinax

Nabonidus elevated the moon god Sin above the traditional Babylonian chief god Marduk. He built temples to Sin in Harran and Ur, and attempted to establish Sin as the supreme deity, causing conflict with the Marduk priesthood in Babylon.

Nabonidus left Babylon and resided for ten years at the oasis of Tayma in Arabia, leaving his son Belshazzar as regent in Babylon. His absence from the capital weakened his authority and fueled resentment among the Babylonian elite.

Nabonidus conquered the city of Harran, which had been under Median control. He restored the temple of Sin there, fulfilling a religious vow and extending Babylonian influence into northern Mesopotamia.

Cyrus the Great of Persia captured Babylon without a major battle, as his forces diverted the Euphrates River and entered the city through the river gates. Nabonidus was captured and exiled, ending the Neo-Babylonian Empire.

Pertinax attempted to restore discipline to the Praetorian Guard and reform the imperial finances. He reduced taxes, sold off Commodus's extravagant possessions, and tried to curb corruption. These reforms alienated the Praetorian Guard, who expected a large donative.

Pertinax was proclaimed Roman emperor by the Praetorian Guard after the assassination of Commodus. He was the son of a freedman and had a distinguished military and political career. His accession was initially welcomed by the Senate and people as a return to good governance.

After only 87 days in power, Pertinax was assassinated by the Praetorian Guard. The Guard stormed the imperial palace and killed him because he refused to pay them the promised donative. His death triggered a civil war and the auctioning of the empire to Didius Julianus.