Babylon was an ancient city located on the Euphrates River in Mesopotamia, in what is now central Iraq, about 55 miles (89 km) south of modern Baghdad. It became the capital of the Babylonian Empire under King Nebuchadnezzar II and played a major role in biblical history. In 586 BC, the Babylonians conquered Jerusalem, destroyed Solomon's Temple, and took many of the people of Judah into exile (2 Kings 25, KJV). Prophets such as Daniel and Ezekiel lived during this period of captivity. Babylon is also associated with the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11) and later appears in Revelation as a symbol of human pride, rebellion, and opposition to God (Revelation 17–18, KJV). Babylon's history reminds believers that earthly kingdoms rise and fall, but God's kingdom endures forever.