Timeline of the Holy Land
Forefathers and Canaan (c. 2000–1500 BC)
During this earliest period, the land known as Canaan was home to the stories of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. According to the Hebrew Bible, Abraham journeyed here from Mesopotamia, settling near Hebron and Beersheba. His covenant with God is considered a foundational event in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions. These generations established a way of life centered around pastoralism, family tribes, and spiritual beliefs that would shape history.
Canaan was a crossroads of ancient cultures, lying between Egypt and Mesopotamia. Archaeological finds reveal fortified towns, pottery, and inscriptions that tell of early city-states and trade. Visitors today can explore ancient sites linked to the Forefathers, such as the Tomb of the Patriarchs in Hebron and Tel Be’er Sheva, bringing these distant times vividly to life.
Exodus and Settlement (c. 1300–1200 BC)
Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt in the Exodus, guiding them through the wilderness and receiving the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai. This defining journey established the covenant between God and the people of Israel and is commemorated every year during Passover. After forty years of wandering, Joshua led the Israelites across the Jordan River into the Promised Land of Canaan.
This era saw the conquest and settlement of key regions, including the miraculous fall of Jericho. The twelve tribes took their portions in the hill country and the plains, fulfilling God’s promise to Abraham. The period of the Judges followed, when leaders such as Deborah and Gideon rose to guide and deliver Israel. For travelers, places like ancient Jericho and Mount Nebo offer a powerful connection to these sacred events.
United Kingdom (c. 1000–922 BC)
Under King David, Israel transformed from a tribal confederation into a centralized kingdom. Around 1000 BC, David captured Jerusalem, making it the political and spiritual capital. His reign unified the tribes and established enduring institutions. Many Psalms are attributed to David, whose legacy resonates across religions.
David’s son Solomon succeeded him and built the First Temple on Mount Moriah, a magnificent sanctuary dedicated to the God of Israel. The kingdom enjoyed relative peace, prosperity, and regional influence. Visitors can walk the City of David archaeological site, tracing ancient walls, tunnels, and streets from this golden era.
Divided Kingdom and Exile (922–586 BC)
After Solomon’s death, the kingdom split into Israel in the north and Judah in the south. This division led to rival capitals—Samaria in the north and Jerusalem in the south—and competing dynasties. In 722 BC, the Assyrian Empire conquered Israel, deporting much of its population.
Judah survived longer but eventually fell to the rising Babylonian Empire. In 586 BC, King Nebuchadnezzar II destroyed Jerusalem and the First Temple, exiling many Jews to Babylon. This event is one of the most tragic in Jewish memory, marking the start of the first major Diaspora. Modern visitors can explore Lachish and Jerusalem’s excavated city walls to understand these turbulent times.
Return and Second Temple (538–332 BC)
After decades in exile, a new power emerged—the Persian Empire. In 538 BC, King Cyrus the Great issued a decree allowing Jewish exiles to return to Judah. Under leaders like Zerubbabel and Ezra, they rebuilt the Temple in Jerusalem, creating what became known as the Second Temple.
This era witnessed the re-establishment of religious practices, community life, and local governance under Persian oversight. The prophets Haggai and Zechariah encouraged rebuilding efforts and spiritual renewal. Pilgrims can see remnants of this period in Jerusalem’s archaeological park and the rebuilt sections of the city’s ancient walls.
Hellenistic and Hasmonean Era (332–63 BC)
In 332 BC, Alexander the Great conquered the region, introducing Greek culture and language. After his death, the land came under the rule of the Seleucid Empire. Tensions rose as Seleucid rulers tried to impose Hellenistic religion and customs on the Jewish population.
The Maccabean Revolt erupted in 167 BC, led by Judah Maccabee and his brothers. After years of struggle, the Jewish Hasmonean dynasty gained independence and rededicated the Temple—a moment commemorated by Hanukkah. The Hasmonean Kingdom expanded territory and ruled until Roman intervention. Modern travelers can visit Modi’in and Jerusalem’s ancient streets to walk in the footsteps of the Maccabees.
Roman Rule and Herodian Kingdom (63 BC–70 AD)
The Roman general Pompey arrived in 63 BC, turning Judea into a Roman client state. Herod the Great was appointed king and reigned from 37–4 BC, embarking on massive building projects including the renovation of the Second Temple, the fortress at Masada, and the port city of Caesarea.
During this period, Jesus of Nazareth was born, preached, and was crucified in Jerusalem under Roman rule. The era shaped Christianity’s origins and brought profound religious changes. Today, visitors can tour Herod’s palaces, the Western Wall, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, experiencing this pivotal chapter firsthand.
Destruction and Diaspora (70–324 AD)
In 66 AD, Jewish rebels rose against Rome in the First Jewish–Roman War. Roman legions under Titus crushed the revolt, destroying Jerusalem and the Second Temple in 70 AD. This event marked the beginning of nearly 2,000 years without a Jewish temple.
Later, the Bar Kokhba Revolt (132–135 AD) attempted to restore Jewish independence but was brutally suppressed by Emperor Hadrian. Jerusalem was renamed Aelia Capitolina, and many Jews were banned from the city. Despite these defeats, Jewish life continued in communities across the Mediterranean. Masada and the Arch of Titus in Rome stand as monuments to these struggles.
Byzantine and Early Islamic Period (324–1099)
With the Roman Empire’s conversion to Christianity, the Byzantine period began. Emperor Constantine and his mother Helena built churches on holy sites, including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in 335 AD. Christianity spread across the land, turning Jerusalem into a center of pilgrimage.
In 638, Muslim armies led by Caliph Umar captured Jerusalem. Islamic rule established the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque on the Temple Mount. The city remained sacred to Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike. Visitors today can admire Byzantine mosaics, early churches, and Islamic architecture in Jerusalem’s Old City.
Crusaders and Ottoman Empire (1099–1917)
In 1099, the First Crusade seized Jerusalem, creating the Crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem. Crusaders built castles like Belvoir and churches that reshaped the city. In 1187, the Muslim leader Saladin recaptured Jerusalem after the Battle of Hattin, restoring Islamic rule.
The Ottoman Empire conquered the land in 1517 and governed for 400 years. Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent rebuilt Jerusalem’s city walls, still standing today. The Ottomans maintained relative stability, leaving a lasting architectural legacy visible in mosques, markets, and city gates.
Modern Era and State of Israel (1917–Present)
During World War I, British forces captured Jerusalem, and the League of Nations granted Britain the Mandate over Israel. The Balfour Declaration of 1917 supported a Jewish homeland, sparking waves of immigration and tensions between communities.
In 1948, Israel declared independence. The country survived multiple wars, signed peace treaties with Egypt and Jordan, and became a modern, dynamic state. In 2020, the Abraham Accords established new diplomatic ties with Gulf nations. Today, Israel offers visitors ancient heritage, vibrant cities, and diverse cultures, making it a unique destination in the Middle East.