Chaldea

Chaldea, name for southern Babylonia after its occupation by the Chaldeans in the 10th century B.C. The Chaldeans were accomplished astronomers and astrologers, and ancient writers often used their name as a synonym for “magician.” In 626 B.C. Nabopolassar founded the Chaldean Neo-Babylonian Empire, which held sway over the area until it was captured by the Persians in 539 B.C.