Jerusalem Contested
The Holy City changed hands many times before the War of Independence.
Jewish Life in Palestine at the Beginning of the Christian Era
What daily life was like from the first through fifth centuries.
Babylonian Exile
The Temple's destruction, the transfer of leadership to Babylon, and the Persian return to Israel reflect the larger political conflicts of the ancient world.
Ancient/Medieval Jewish History
The Land of Israel Under Roman Rule
Judea becomes a Roman tributary.
Building the Second Temple
The historical importance and practical history of rebuilding ancient Judaism's sacred center.
Ancient/Medieval Jewish History
Beit Dins and Sanhedrin
In the Second Temple period, a system of Jewish courts emerged.
The Bar Kochba Revolt
Messianic figure Simeon Bar Kochba led the Jews in a failed revolt against Roman rule.
Ancient Israelites: Society & Lifestyle
Two main social structures competed in ancient Israel. The people were united under the monarchy, which organized the state for administrative and taxation purposes. At the same time, the Israelites held fast to their tribal associations.
Josephus Flavius
Josephus Flavius both participated in and wrote the history of the Jewish interaction with Rome.