1. Ancient Israel

2. Early Israelites
Built a kingdom in Canaan, today this area is Lebanon, Israel and Jordan
Belief in one god
Faith becomes the religion of Judaism – influenced Christianity and Islam and helped shape the beliefs of European and American societies
Spoke Hebrew and wrote down much of their history and religious beliefs- becomes the Hebrew bible.

3. Early Israelites
Left Mesopotamia – followed Abraham and settled in Canaan
Abraham’s grandson, Jacob(Israel), raised 12 sons . They divided the lands into 12 parts, becomes the 12 tribes of Israel
Lived in Canaan about 100 years
Long drought destroys crops and the people are forced to move to Egypt

5. The Story of Moses
1730 B.C. – Israelites are forced into slavery by the Hyksos, who ruled Egypt.
Thutmose I -regains power but keeps the Israelites as slaves
To prevent rebellions, he orders all male boys to be thrown into the Nile river
Pharaoh's daughter finds baby in the bulrushes and names him Moses

7. Story of Moses
Moses lives in pharaoh’s court for about 40 years, he is considered a prince and is taught Egyptian ways
He kills an Egyptian who is beating a Hebrew slave- leaves Egypt for an extended period of time
1290 B.C. – Moses returns to Egypt to free the Israelites

9. Story of Moses
10 plagues sent to trouble Egypt; last all first born children die unless protected by lambs blood above the door- Passover
Pharaoh releases Israelites, but then changes his mind , sends armies of chariots to bring them back
Red Sea – parts and then closes and drowns the soldiers
Moses receives the Torah and 10 Commandments on Mount Sinai

11. The Promised Land Israelites travel to Canaan- the Promised Land
Upon their return discover Canaanites living on their lands
Israelites conquer Jericho and fight a series of wars under the leadership of Joshua
Land is split into 12 regions, Joshua dies
Judges( military leaders) become the new leaders of Israel
Build walled towns
Create a new alphabet and calendar based on Phoenician ideas