The Babylonian Captivity, also known as the Babylonian Exile, refers to the forced detention of Jews in Babylonia after the conquest of the kingdom of Judah in 598/7 and 587/6 BCE. The city of Jerusalem was captured multiple times, most notably in 597 BCE and in 587 or 586 BCE. The siege of Jerusalem lasted for more than two and a half years, with the final fall happening on August 14, 586 BCE. The Babylonian Captivity is seen as a fulfillment of prophecy and a punishment from God for the disobedience of his people. This exile lasted for about 70 years, ending with the return of the Jews to their homeland. The deported Jews formed their own community in Babylon during this time and continued to practice their faith. The Babylonian exile holds significant historical and religious importance in the history of ancient Israel and continues to be studied and analyzed today.