For some of the events in Daniel we definitely do have archaeological evidence, and for some we do not.

For example, it is not clear what “archaeological evidence” we could have about a dream, or even about Daniel being thrown into a lion’s den.  What possible archaeological evidence could we anticipate having of a dream?  There are thousands of events in the Old Testament that we literally cannot possibly have archaeological evidence for.  For example, Jacob wrestled with an angel.  What evidence could we have?  David fought Goliath.  What archaeological evidence could we have?   Some round stones?  Of course, what we have is reliable historical information–that found in the Bible–which is the most accurate historical record we have from the ancient world, without any close rival.  But, of course, we cannot use the Bible to prove the Bible when it comes to history.

However, in the case of Daniel, we have an abundance of archaeological and historical evidence which corroborates what is stated in Daniel.

1. The Cyrus Cyllinder

2. The Behistunn Inscription

3. Inscription at Ur

4. Record of Jehaoiachin’s provisions found in Babylon.

The Cyrus Cyllinder is located in the British Museum.  It is a decree, published by Cyrus, to allow all the peoples to return to their ancestral homes and rebuild their houses of worship.  This is almost identical to that found in Ezra 1 and as implied in the story in Daniel, in which Daniel is taken into service for Cyrus.

The Behistun Inscription inscription is a massive bas-relief and written inscription on the side of a cliff on a road between Babylon and the Persian capital of Media.  It is in three languages, Old Persian, Elamite and Babylonian.  It recounts the careers of Cyrus, Cambysses and Darius.  Of course, Cyrus is a character in Daniel, and Cambysses and Darius fulfill prophecies in Daniel.  Daniel 5 records the night that Cyrus conquered Babylon under Belshazzar, in agreement with this inscription.

The inscription at Ur closes one mystery in Daniel, which is its mention of Belshazzar in Daniel 5.  No other ancient text mentioned Belshazzar, so many said this was an historical error in Daniel.  This inscription, found in the zigurrat in Ur, confirms that Belshazzar was the son of Nabonidus, that he ruled as a regent king, and explaining why Belshazar offered the third (not the second) place in the kingdom on Daniel 5.

A tablet was found in the ruins in Babylon which listed the provisions given to the deposed king Jehoiachin, which confirms what was said about him in 2 Kings 25:27-30, including the fact that he was given very favorable provisions by Nebuchadnezzar.  This story is not found in Daniel, so, technically, it does not support Daniel, but Daniel and Jeremiah are in agreement on so many details, it is worth mentioning in the context of historical accuracy of Daniel.

As for Daniel 4 and the king having a period when he went mad, there is an interesting article published fairly recently.  Here is the link for the article:

Another good source is my book, Daniel, Prophet to the Nations, which is available at www.evidenceforchristianity.org   You should get a copy. In this book, I discuss all of this evidence and more.

John Oakes