Israelites

Israelites are the ethnic group that according to the Hebrew Bible descended from the biblical patriarch Jacob, grandson of Abraham. The Israelites are considered an important part of the history of Judaism, as they were the ancestors of the Jews and the Samaritans.

History

The Israelites originated as Bronze Age Canaanites, but emerged as a distinct group in the 12th and 11th centuries BCE in the southern Levant. They inhabited the Kingdoms of Israel and Judah, which existed during the Iron Age until the Assyrian and Babylonian conquests.

Religion

The religion of the Israelites of Iron Age I, like that of all ancient Near Eastern peoples, was polytheistic. During the Iron Age II, the Israelites gradually moved towards monotheism, the belief in a single deity.

Culture

The Israelites spoke Hebrew and wrote in the Hebrew alphabet. They had a rich culture with unique art, music, and cuisine.

See also

• History of ancient Israel and Judah
• Hebrews
• Twelve Tribes of Israel

References

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External links

• Jewish Virtual Library - The Twelve Tribes of Israel

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