Susan M. Pojer Horace Greeley HS Chappaqua, NY The Ancient Middle East Susan M. Pojer Horace Greeley HS Chappaqua, NY

Abraham’s Journeys Abraham received message from god. Migrate people from Ur (Mesopotamia) to the land of Canaan (present day Palestine). Conditions were harsh in Canaan.

Ancient Palestine 1800 B.C. Drought and famine drove Hebrews from present day Palestine. Israelites migrated to Egypt. Enslaved Believed god made an agreement with Moses God = Ruler of heaven and earth…Hebrews = Chose people

“Shepherd of His People” Moses “Shepherd of His People” “Prince of Egypt”

The Exodus - After many years, Moses led them to freedom. - Led them into the Sinai Peninsula. Moses heard the “voice of God”. After wandering the desert for 40 years, set up a small state in Palestine.

Route of the Exodus

The Kingdom of Israel After emering from Sinai Peninsula, migrated into Fertile Crescent 1025 B.C. – formed the Kingdom of Israel Between Egypt and Mesopotamia Two great Kings David Solomon

King David Skilled general Unified Israel; made it a power in Middle East Had a son named Solomon David’s reign was marked by power and courage.

King Solomon Reign marked by peace Intellectual, noted for his wisdom. Transformed city of Jerusalem into a great capital Built palaces and temples Taxed heavily to pay for buildings People became upset Revolts weakened kingdom. After Solomon’s death, Israel was conquered and the Hebrews were forced into exile.

Conquest Persians conquered the fertile crescent in 500 B.C. Allowed Hebrews to return. Became upset, however, due to being ruled by foreigners Persians, Greeks, and Romans

Diaspora A.D. 70, the Jews (new name for Hebrews) revolted against the Romans. Forced out of Palestine. Scattering of Jews called “Diaspora”

Teachings of Judaism Beliefs developed slowly Monotheistic Hebrews called god “Yahweh”

Yahweh’s “Covenant” With His People The first 5 books of the Hebrew Bible. The most sacred text in the Jewish religious tradition. The Torah

Importance of Law God gave them the importance of law. Better known as………..

Moses and the 10 Commandments A new “covenant” with Yahweh Religious Law = Talmud

Cont’d Recorded in the Sinai Peninsula during the Exodus. Made many other laws. Standard was like Hammurabi’s code How was it different? Hebrews were one of few cultures that treated slaves with kindness…why?

Ethical World View These religious beliefs came to be called Judaism Major belief = lead moral life Religious teachers – Prophets Did not regard rulers as gods. Responsible for actions.

Misc. Judaism’s worship day is Saturday Place of worship – Synagogue Important Figures – God, Moses Holy Book - Torah

Mount Sinai

St. Catherine’s Monastery at Mount Sinai

King David’s Empire

Solomon’s Kingdom

Kingdoms of Judah & Israel