Ancient Civilizations

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Ancient Civilizations

• The Hebrews

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Monotheism vs. Polytheism

• Polytheism is the belief in many gods.
• Monotheism is the belief in one god.
• While most ancient belief systems were
  polytheistic, it was the Hebrews who developed
  the first monotheistic belief system.

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The Hebrews

• The Hebrews regard ancient Palestine as the
  promised land.
• Abraham was chosen by God to be the father of
  the Hebrews.
• The Hebrews worship one God (monotheism).
• They referred God Yahweh.
• The Hebrews migrated to Egypt because of a threat
  of famine.
• At first, they were given places of honor in the
  Egyptian kingdom.
• Later they were forced into slavery, and fled
  between 1300 and 1200 B.C.
• It became known as Exodus, and they were led by
  Moses.

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• They later relocated near Mt. Sinai.
• Moses then passed down with the written laws
  known as the Ten Commandments.
• The commandments would be the basis for Judaism.
• The judges and prophets interpret Gods laws to
  the Hebrews.
• Hebrews expand their territory by conquering
  their neighbors.
• Hebrews unite under Saul, David, and Solomon.

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• King Solomon builds a trading empire, beautifies
  Jerusalem, and erects a great temple.
• After Solomons death, the kingdom splits into
  Israel and Judah.
• After a long struggle, Israel falls to the
  Assyrians.
• Judah resists the Assyrians for about 116 years,
  then falls to the Babylonians.
• Survivors are sent into exile in Babylon for 50
  years but return to rebuild the Temple.

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