The Hebrews and Their Legacy: A Timeline of the Ancient Near East
Explore the intricate tapestry of the Ancient Near East, focusing on the Hebrews, known as the "Children of Israel." This chapter delves into their migration from Abraham to Egypt, slavery under Pharaohs, and the Exodus led by Moses. Discover the formation of the Twelve Tribes and the establishment of the United Kingdom under Kings Saul, David, and Solomon, including the significance of the Temple of Jerusalem. Analyze the spiritual dimensions of Hebrew life, the social structure, and how they interacted with neighboring cultures like the Philistines. Join us as we examine the rise and influence of empires, from Assyria to Persia.
The Hebrews and Their Legacy: A Timeline of the Ancient Near East
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Presentation Transcript
Chapter 2 The Ancient Near East: Peoples and Empires
The Hebrews: “The Children of Israel” • Hebrew Bible – Old Testament • Descendants of Abraham • Migration to Egypt • Slaves of Pharaohs • Moses leads them out of Egypt (Exodus) • 12 Tribes • Troubles with the Philistines • Origins of United Kingdom (c. 1200 – c. 1000 B.C.)
The United Kingdom • Saul (c. 1020 – 1000 B.C.) • David (c. 1000 – 970 B.C.) • Solomon (c. 970 – 930 B.C.) • Temple of Jerusalem • Arc of the Covenant
The Divided Kingdom • Kingdom of Israel • 10 Northern Tribes • Capital in Samaria • 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
The Social Structure of the Hebrews • Social Patterns • Family was the central social institution of Hebrew life • Marriage and Women • Monogamy versus Polygamy • Dependence of women on men • Goal of marriage was the production of children
The Neighbors of the Israelites • Philistines • Phoenicians • Trade • Colonies throughout the Mediterranean • Carthage • Transmitters of Culture • Alphabet
Table 2.1: A Comparison of the Phoenician, Greek, and Latin Alphabets
The Assyrian Empire • Semitic Language • Iron Weapons • Ashurbanipal (669 – 626 B.C.E.) • Governing the Empire • Absolute Kings • Well-Organized Empire • Military • Size • Discipline • Weapons • Tactics • Terror
Assyrian Society and Culture • Imported Prisoners of War • Language • Religion • Agriculture • Trade • Middlemen • Hybrid Culture • Guardians of Sumerian and Babylonian Culture • Art • Relief Sculptures
The Neo-Babylonian Empire • Rise of the Chaldeans • Reign of Nebuchadnezzar II (625 – 605 B.C.) • Economic Prosperity • The City of Babylon • Fall of Babylon to Persians (539 B.C.)
The 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.)
Governing the Empire • Satrapies • Satraps were of Persian descent • Major satrapies went to princes of the king’s family • Minor satrapies went to Persian nobles • Communications • Royal Road from Sardis to Susa
The Great King • Regent of the god Ahuramazda • Palaces • Gap between ruler and ruled • Military Power • 10,000 Immortals
Persian Religion • Zoroastrianism • Zoroaster (born c. 660 B.C.) • Monotheistic • Ahuramazda • Ahriman (Evil Spirit) • Struggle between good and evil • Last Judgment
Discussion Questions • How was ancient Judaism different from other ancient near-eastern religions? What impact did this have on ancient Hebrew history? • 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 • 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 • AVESTA: Zoroastrian Archives
