The King's Palace and Harem

The king resided in a palace, the size and magnificence of which would depend upon the fortunes of the time, the palace of Nebuchadnezzar II (604-562 BC) probably having been the most splendid. The monarch was surrounded by his court, a body which embraced his highest officials, with the exception of provincial governors who resided in their capitals. The harem was the focus of the king's family life and a guard of eunuchs rigidly maintained privacy.