13. ID Kingdom of Israel

Return to History 8 Near East Vocabulary

Located along the Mediterranean Sea, The Kingdom of Israel was first ruled by King Saul. During this rule and the rules of King David and King Soloman, Israel existed as one united kingdom. This kingdom extended north to the Euphrates River and then as far as the Red Sea to the south. David established Jerusalem as Israel's capitol. However around 930 BCE, after the rule of King Soloman, Israel divided into two different kingdoms as tensions had arose through out Israel. The north kingdom was called Israel while the south kingdom was called Judah. Israel was more populous and urban then Judah. Judah remained more rural and secluded. Israel capitol was now Samaria and Judah's remained Jerusalem. This co-existent lasted for around 200 years. Throughout this time, though they had their differences, these two kingdoms stayed allies. During this time, biblical states like Israel began to develop central governments and began large-scale public projects such as water tunnels and spread a standard system of weights and measures. The northern kingdom of Israel declined after issues with the Assyrian Empire intervening with politics. The capitol of Samaria was captured and the kingdom fell.

Sources:

Origins Manuel pg. 115

http://www.religion.ucsb.edu/faculty/thomas/classes/rgst80a/spielvogel.html

http://web.ics.purdue.edu/~rauhn/israeltext.htm

For more information visit: http://web.ics.purdue.edu/~rauhn/israeltext.htm By: Cross Kennedy