The Israelites 2000-500 BCE The land and people have gone by various names throughout history—Canaan, Israeli, Palestine, Hebrews, Israelites, Jews

How do we know? Archaeological evidence The Hebrew Bible Most of the information was compiled by the priestly class in the 5th century BCE and reflects the concerns of this group

History of Ancient Israel Nomadic pastoralists Occupied marginal land between desert and settled agricultural Engaged in some trade Eventually settled to an agricultural life Developed a unified state David makes Jerusalem the religious and political center of the kingdom

Solomon’s Temple 10th century BCE Religious center for the Israelite god Yahweh Priests-- Conducted sacrifices Collected tithes [percentage of agricultural revenue] They became wealthy and politically powerful

Gender Roles Men Women Male heirs important Patriarchal Provided vital goods and services for family Could not inherit Could not initiate divorce Adultery meant death A few women gained positions of power [ex. Deborah became a judge] Status declines as Israelite society becomes more urbanized

Diaspora Assyrians in 721 BCE destroyed the northern kingdom of Israel and deported much of the population to the east New settlers were brought in from Syria, Babylon, and Iran changing the area’s ethnic, cultural, and religious makeup Kingdom of Judah survived for more than a century Nebuchadnezzar destroyed the temple of Solomon in 587 BCE and deported to Babylon the royal family, aristocracy, and many skilled workers-diaspora These deportees prospered in their new home and many of their descendants refused Cyrus’s offer to return to their homeland Diaspora sharpened Jewish identity

Beliefs Synagogues Monotheistic—Yahweh Diaspora communities needed to maintain their religion and culture so they developed a communal meeting place that served religion, educational, and social functions Monotheistic—Yahweh Powerful and jealous deity Ten commandments Needed to turn away from the fertility and other gods of the day In return for sole devotion and obedience=Jews were considered to be the chosen people Dietary restrictions Venerated the Sabbath [Saturday] Refrained from work and fighting on this day