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

2. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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