The 6th century BC started the first day of 600 BC and ended the last day of 501 BC. In Western Asia, the first half of this century was dominated by the Neo-Babylonian Empire, which had risen to power late in the previous century after successfully rebelling against Assyrian rule. The Kingdom of Judah came to an end in 586 BC when Babylonian forces under Nebuchadnezzar II captured Jerusalem, and removed most of its population to their own lands. Babylonian rule was ended in the 540s by Cyrus, who founded the Persian Empire in its stead. The Persian Empire continued to expand and grew into the greatest empire the world had known at the time. In Iron Age Europe, the Celtic expansion was in progress. China was in the Spring and Autumn period. Mediterranean: Beginning of Greek philosophy, flourishes during the 5th century BC The late Hallstatt culture period in Eastern and Central Europe, the late Bronze Age in Northern Europe East Asia: the Spring and Autumn period. Confucianism, Legalism and Moism flourish. Laozi founds Taoism West Asia: During the Persian empire, Zoroaster, a.k.a. Zarathustra, founded Zoroastrianism, a dualistic philosophy. This was also the time of the Babylonian captivity of the ancient Jews. Ancient India: the Buddha and Mahavira founded Buddhism and Jainism respectively The decline of the Olmec civilization in Central America The world in the 6th century BC Events 590s BC Mid-6th century BC: Foundation of Temple of Olympian Zeus (Athens). 598 BC: Jehoiachin succeeds Jehoiakim as King of Judah. 16 March 597 BC: Babylonians capture Jerusalem, replace Jehoiachin with Zedekiah as king. 595 BC: Psammetichus II succeeds Necho II as King of Egypt. 594 BC: Solon appointed Archon of Athens; institutes democratic reforms. 590 BC: Egyptian army sacks Napata, compelling the Cushite court to move to a more secure location at Meroe near the sixth Cataract. 580s BC 589 BC: Apries succeeds Psammetichus II as King of Egypt. 588 BC: Nebuchadrezzar II of Babylon begins siege of Jerusalem; some sources set the date at 587 BC. 587 BC/586 BC: Jerusalem falls to the Babylonians, ending the Kingdom of Judah. The conquerors destroy Solomon's Temple and exile the land's remaining inhabitants. Babylonian Captivity for the Jews begins. 586 BC: death of King Ding of Zhou, King of the Zhou Dynasty of China 28 May 585 BC: A solar eclipse occurs as predicted by Thales, while Alyattes is battling