Kingdom of Israel, an ancient state in the Levant during the Iron Age

Tue, 05 May 2026 03:52:31 +0000

Kingdom of Israel: The Ancient State of the Levant in the Iron Age Nestled in the heart of the Levant, the Kingdom of Israel was a pivotal ancient state that emerged during the Iron Age, shaped by complex political dynamics, rich religious traditions, and strategic interactions with neighboring civilizations. Spanning from approximately the 12th to the 6th century BCE, this monarchy played a crucial role in the cultural and historical development of the region — leaving a lasting legacy preserved through biblical texts, archaeological discoveries, and historical records. ### Origins and Historical Background The Kingdom of Israel arose amid the transition from the Late Bronze Age collapse to the early Iron Age, when new groups settled in the Levant. Traditionally divided around the 10th century BCE, the kingdom split into two major entities: the Northern Kingdom of Israel (with its capital in Samaria) and the Southern Kingdom of Judah (centered in Jerusalem). While the United Monarchy under King Saul, David, and Solomon laid foundational traditions, the split formalized into two separate kingdoms after Solomon’s reign.