Textual Timeline of Jewish History
1. The Patriarchs (c. 2000 BCE – 1500 BCE):
- Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
- The covenant with God, the journey to Canaan.
2. Exodus and Sinai (c. 1500 BCE – 1200 BCE):
- Moses leads the Israelites out of Egypt.
- The giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai.
3. Kingdom of Israel and Judah (c. 1000 BCE – 586 BCE):
- Kings Saul, David, and Solomon.
- Construction of the First Temple.
- Division into the Northern Kingdom (Israel) and Southern Kingdom (Judah).
4. Babylonian Exile (586 BCE – 538 BCE):
- Destruction of the First Temple.
- The Jewish people exiled to Babylon.
5. Second Temple Period (538 BCE – 70 CE):
- Return to Jerusalem under Persian rule.
- Construction of the Second Temple.
- Hellenistic and Roman influences.
6. Roman Era and Diaspora (70 CE – 500 CE):
- Destruction of the Second Temple.
- Bar Kokhba revolt (132–135 CE).
- Jewish communities spread across the Roman Empire.
7. Middle Ages (500 CE – 1700 CE):
- Jewish life under Islamic and Christian rule.
- Development of the Talmud and Jewish philosophy.
- Expulsions and persecution, e.g., Spain (1492).
8. Enlightenment and Emancipation (1700 CE – 1900 CE):
- Haskalah movement encourages integration and education.
- Rise of Zionism and modern Jewish thought.
9. Holocaust (1933 CE – 1945 CE):
- The murder of six million Jews during World War II.
- Jewish life devastated in Europe.
10. Founding of Israel (1948 CE – Present):
- Declaration of the State of Israel.
- Wars of independence, growth, and modern challenges.