The history of ancient Israel developed through several distinct phases:
- Settlement in Canaan (c. 1400–1200 B.C.): Nomadic Hebrew tribes migrated into Canaan, became farmers, and adopted the Yahweh cult as a central faith.
- Time of the Judges (c. 1200–1020 B.C.): The tribes formed a loose confederation led by judges who acted as military and spiritual leaders, uniting the people in struggles against Canaanite city-states.
- Early Monarchy (Saul c. 1200–1020 B.C.): To defend against the Philistines, Israel established its first monarchy under Saul, uniting the northern tribes.
- United Kingdom (David and Solomon): Under King David, Israel and Judah were united, and Jerusalem became the capital. His son Solomon built the Temple, creating a strong, organized state and a flourishing culture — the roots of the Old Testament were written in this era.
- Divided Kingdom (after 926 B.C.): The kingdom split into Israel (north) and Judah (south). Israel fell to Assyria (721 B.C.), Judah later to Babylon (587 B.C.). Prophets emerged, promoting monotheism and social justice.
- Babylonian Exile (587–539 B.C.): After Jerusalem and the Temple were destroyed, many Israelites were deported to Babylon. There, Judaism developed into a religion based on written law and scripture.
- Persian and Hellenistic Periods (539–168 B.C.): Under the Persians, the Temple was rebuilt and religious autonomy restored. Jewish communities spread throughout the Mediterranean. The Greek translation of the Old Testament (Septuagint) appeared.
- Hasmonean Period (168–63 B.C.): Following the Maccabean revolt, Israel regained independence under the Hasmonean dynasty, combining royal and priestly power.
- Roman Rule (from 63 B.C.): Rome dominated through client kings like Herod the Great, who expanded the Temple. The Jewish War (66–70 A.D.) ended with the destruction of Jerusalem and the Second Temple, marking the start of direct Roman administration and the Jewish diaspora.