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Early Jewish history is the story of the development of a nation and religion. From the time of Abraham to the destruction of the First Temple this history includes the lives of the early Israelites, the enslavement in Egypt, the formation of a nation with the conquest of the land of Israel, and the exile into Babylon.
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c. 3000 |
Early Civilization
Early settlements in the areas of Asia Minor, Mesopotamia, and Egypt. Evidence of village life includes domestication of animals, agriculture, and crafts. Cuneiform, an early form of writing, is developed by the Sumerians. |
| c. 2500 |
Great Pyramids and Sphinx
Great pyramids at El Giza, Egypt, built by the pharaohs of the 4th Dynasty (c. 2575-2465 BCE) as personal mortuary temples. |
| c. 2000
– 1700 |
The Patriarchs
According to the Bible, Abraham is born in the city of Ur in southern Mesopotamia and brings his family to Canaan. Abraham's son Isaac remains in Canaan his entire life. During a famine, Issac's son Jacob moves to Egypt with his entire family and their posessions. |
| c. 1280
|
Exodus from Egypt
According to the Bible, Moses leads the people of Israel out of slavery in Egypt. An essential story for the Jewish people, the Exodus is commemorated through the festival of Passover. Shortly after the Exodus, the nation receives the Torah at Sinai.
|
| 1250
– 1050 |
Settlement in Canaan; Judges
Conquest of Canaan and settlement of the land, divided among the twelve tribes of Israel. The nation is led by the biblical Judges, among them Deborah.
|
| c. 1020
– 1004 |
Saul
The Prophet and Judge Samuel annoints Saul as the first King of Israel.
|
| 1004
– 965 |
David
David rules over a united kingdom, conquers Jerusalem, and enlarges the empire of Israel.
|
| 965
– 922 |
Solomon; The First Temple
The kingdom of Israel flourishes under Solomon, David's son. Known for his wisdom, Solomon builds the First Temple. |
| 922 |
The Kingdom Divides
After Solomon's death (c. 922 BCE), the leaders of the northern tribes reject his son Rehoboam's claim of sovereignty and appoint Jeroboam as their king. The empire is divided into two separate kingdoms, Israel in the north and Judah in the south. |
| c. 850 - 725
|
Prophets Elijah, Amos, and Isaiah
| 722 |
Northern Kingdom Falls
Assyria conquers the northern kingdom of Israel; the ten northern tribes are exiled. |
| c. 627
– 580 |
Judean Prophets Jeremiah and Ezekiel |
| 612 |
Assyrian Empire Falls to Babylonians |
| 586 |
Kingdom of Judah Falls; Destruction of the First Temple; Exile to Babylon
Led by King Nebuchadnezzar, Babylonians conquer the Kingdom of Judah. Jerusalem and the First Temple are destroyed and the people of Judah are exiled to Babylon. |
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