vision
The eighth chapter gives details concerning the second and third world-kingdoms: the silver and brass kingdoms of Daniel 2, the bear and leopard kingdoms of Daniel 7, namely, the Medo-Persian and Macedonian kingdoms of history. At the time of this vision (Daniel 8:1) the first monarchy was nearing its end. Belshazzar was the last king of that monarchy.
third year
About B.C. 530.