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Chronicle III of IX

Israel & the Philistines

The Ancient Levant

The rise of Israel in the hills and the Philistines on the coast.

Span
1208 – 1004 BC
Entries
9
The Merneptah Stele, whose text holds the earliest known mention of Israel
Frontispiece · The Merneptah Stele, whose text holds the earliest known mention of IsraelVia Wikimedia Commons
  1. 1208 BC

    Emergence of IsraelCultural

    The Merneptah Stele names Israel

    An Egyptian victory monument mentions 'Israel' as a people in Canaan — the earliest known reference to the name.

    The Merneptah Stele, whose text holds the earliest known mention of Israel
    The Merneptah Stele, whose text holds the earliest known mention of Israel · Via Wikimedia Commons
    Meanwhile, elsewhere · 3
  2. 1180 BC

    Iron Age IMilitary

    The Philistines settle the coast

    The Philistines, one of the Sea Peoples, settle the southern coast in a league of five cities.

    Meanwhile, elsewhere · 3
  3. 1150 BC

    Iron Age ICultural

    Israel in the highlands

    Hundreds of new farming villages spring up in the central hill country, the seedbed of the Israelite people.

    Meanwhile, elsewhere · 3
  4. 1100 BC

    Age of the JudgesPolitical

    The age of the Judges

    In the biblical tradition, the tribes of Israel are led by 'judges' — war-leaders raised up in times of crisis.

    Meanwhile, elsewhere · 3
  5. 1050 BC

    Age of the JudgesReligious

    The Ark and the fall of Shiloh

    The Philistines rout Israel, capture the Ark of the Covenant, and destroy the sanctuary at Shiloh.

    Meanwhile, elsewhere · 3
  6. 1030 BC

    Toward MonarchyPolitical

    Samuel and the demand for a king

    The prophet Samuel, last of the judges, reluctantly anoints a king to unite Israel against the Philistines.

    Meanwhile, elsewhere · 3
  7. 1020 BC

    United MonarchyPolitical

    Saul, the first king

    Saul is made the first king of Israel and wins early victories, but his reign ends in failure and gloom.

    Meanwhile, elsewhere · 3
  8. 1013 BC

    United MonarchyMilitary

    The rise of David

    A shepherd of Bethlehem, David wins fame against the Philistines and a following that eclipses the king.

    Meanwhile, elsewhere · 3

  9. 1 more entry, to 1004 BC