Israel Before Israel
The history of Jews before the establishment of the modern state of Israel is extensive and spans thousands of years. Here's a brief overview: 1. **Ancient Israelites**: The origins of the Jewish people trace back to ancient Israel, where they established kingdoms and societies in the region known as the Levant (modern-day Israel, Palestine, and parts of neighboring countries). The period of the ancient Israelites is documented in religious texts such as the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament). 2. **Diaspora**: Following the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem by the Romans in 70 CE, many Jews were dispersed throughout the Roman Empire and beyond. This event marked the beginning of the Jewish Diaspora, during which Jewish communities formed in various parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa. 3. **Medieval Period**: During the medieval period, Jews lived in both Muslim and Christian lands. In Muslim-majority regions such as the Middle East, North Africa, and Spain, Jews often lived u