Chapter 2 The Ancient Near East: Peoples and Empires

Neolithic Ruins at Palmavera – Sardinia Third millennium B.C.E.

The Hebrews: “The Children of Israel” One of the only ancient civilizations in a religious text Hebrew Bible – Old Testament Originally nomads living in clans Tradition, not science, suggests they were dsc. Descendants of Abraham Possible drought made them move to Egypt From Canaan originally Possibly enslaved? No evidence one way or the other Why in Egypt?

The Hebrews: “The Children of Israel” Were NOT slaves of Pharaohs? No one knows; Texts in Hieroglyphs that say they were not Moses leads them out of Egypt (Exodus) Plagues of Egypt Likely natural disasters Occurred over a long period of time 12 Tribes Famed 12 tribes of Numbers and Revelations Egyptian Hotel Stay

Map 2-1, p. 36

The Hebrews: “The Children of Israel” Troubles with the Philistines Tribal people who moved from inland, to the coast Story of David vs. Goliath Possibly believable Moving Out! -> On to Canaan (Again) Most historians doubt anything in the Old Testament Gap between events and writing Origins of United Kingdom (c – c B.C.) Historical Doubts

“The Bibles Version” Israelites the chosen people of Yahweh Were supposed to be lead from ‘slavery’ out of Egypt Moses + Yahweh summoned plagues of Egypt Ramses II supposed to Pharaoh Grants them leave Changes mind, army perishes Covenant regarding Yahweh Moses and the 10 commandments

The United Kingdom Saul (c – 1000 B.C.) Helped defeat Philistines Died fighting Philistines David (c – 970 B.C.) Defeated Philistines Gained control over all of Canaan Solomon (c. 970 – 930 B.C.) Temple of Jerusalem Arc of the Covenant

The United Kingdom Solomon (c. 970 – 930 B.C.) Expanded trade and military Temple of Jerusalem Arc of the Covenant Height of power during his reign Lead to disunity through his methods

Fig. 2-CO, p. 34

Palestine in the First Millennium B.C.

The Divided Kingdom Kingdom of Israel 10 Northern Tribes Capital in Samaria Joined with Syrian States to stop Assyria Kingdom of Judah 2 Southern Tribes Capital in Jerusalem Assyria Conquers Kingdom of Israel (722 B.C.)Chaldeans Conquered Kingdom of Judah (586 B.C.) Jerusalem Destroyed Babylonian Captivity

Spiritual Dimensions of Israel Yahweh (Monotheism) Covenant, Law and Prophets Covenant with Yahweh Laws 10 Commandments Regulation of Economic, Social and Political Life of all Hebrews Prophets Yahweh’s Voice to his People Universalism and Social Justice Separation between Jews and non-Jews

Social Structure of the Hebrews Social Patterns People of the land’ Family Central social institution in Hebrew life Marriage and Women Book of Proverbs Matchmaking Crown of Man

The Neighbors of the Israelites Philistines Phoenicians Trade Colonies throughout the Mediterranean Carthage Transmitters of Culture Alphabet

The Assyrian Empire Semitic Language Iron Weapons Ashurbanipal (669 – 626 B.C.E.) Governing the Empire Absolute Kings Well organized Empire Military Large Armies Discipline Iron Weapons Different Tactics Terror as an instrument of Warfare

The Assyrian and Neo- Babylonian Empires ©2003 Wadsworth, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Thomson Learning ™ is a trademark used herein under license.

Assyrian Society and Culture Imported Prisoners of War Language Religion Agriculture Trade Middlemen Hybrid Culture Guardians of Sumerian and Babylonian Culture Art Relief Sculptures

Winged bull from an Assyrian palace - Khorsabad, Eighth Century B.C.

Neo-Babylonian Empire The Chaldeans Nebuchadnezzar II (605 – 562 B.C.) Babylon Hanging Gardens Fell to the Persians in 539 B.C.

Three of the 120 lions along the "Processional Way" to the Ishtar Gate, the grandiose entrance to Babylon

Persian Empire Cyrus the Great (559 – 530 B.C.) Conquered Kingdom of Lydia (c. 547 B.C.) Conquered Greek City-States Conquered Mesopotamia (539 B.C.) Cambyses (530 – 522 B.C.) Conquered Egypt Darius the Great (521 – 486) Western India Ionian Revolt in Asia Minor Invasion and Defeat in Greece (490 B.C.)

The Persian Empire at the Time of Darius ©2003 Wadsworth, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Thomson Learning ™ is a trademark used herein under license.

Governing the Empire Satrapies Efficient Communications Royal Road from Sardis to Susa Persian Kings Military The Ten-Thousand Immortals

Panel in glazed brick at the Ishtar Gate

Persian Religion Zoroastrianism Zoroaster (born c. 660 B.C.) Monotheistic Ahuramazda Ahriman (Evil Spirit) Struggle between good and evil Last Judgment

Discussion Questions Describe the political and social advances in the reign og Davis and Solomon. How did they change Israel's society? What legacy did the ancient Hebrews leave to Western Civilization? Why were the Assyrians so successful in subjugating their neighbors? What role did terror play in Assyrian military tactics? How were the Persians able to conquer and maintain their large empire? How did Zoroastrianism influence religions that came later?

Web Links Earth Mysteries: Stonehenge Internet Jewish History Sourcebook The Old Testament and the Ancient Near East ABZU: Internet Guide to the Ancient Near East Ancient Mesopotamia and the Levant Hittite Homepage Cyrus the Great