Geography & Location
What sea is located to the west of ancient Israel?
The Mediterranean
Who allowed for the Jews to return to their homeland after exile?
Cyrus the Great
According to Hebrew beliefs, why did Abraham leave Ur?
Abraham worshiped only one God, while Mesopotamia worshiped many gods.
What form of government did ancient Israel use once the Hebrews returned and established rule?
Which three continents meet at the Levant region?
Asia, Africa, and Europe
Which group destroyed the temple in Jerusalem when they conquered Judah?
The Babylonians
During the Babylonian Exile, Jews made a meaningful religious change about where they could worship. What was that change?
They could worship God anytime and anywhere, not only in the Temple.
Which kingdom kept the name Israel after the split?
The Northern Kingdom
Name the River that flows through ancient Israel and ends in the Dead Sea.
The Jordan River
What major even is described as the Hebrews' escape from slavery in Egypt?
The Exodus
During exile, Jewish culture developed important written religious texts. What is the name generally given to these foundational Jewish texts?
The Torah
Which Mesopotamian kingdoms are mentioned as being to the northeast of Israel?
Assyria and Babylonia
What desert lies to the east of Israel and the Levant?
The Arabian Desert
After the United Monarchy ended, Israel split into two kingdoms. What was the name of the southern kingdom?
Judah
What cultural emphasis grew during the Babylonian Exile because of exposure to new ideas and cultures?
An emphasis on education because of exposure to new ideas and cultures.
What happened to Judah after the split that affected its people and temple?
The Babylonians conquered Judah, and the temple was destroyed.
What geographic reason led the people of ancient Israel to create cisterns?
Rainfall was limited, and water was scarce.
Name the empire that conquered Israel (the northern kingdom) during ancient times.
Assyria
How did the Hebrew religion differ from the religions of the surrounding Mesopotamian civilizations?
Hebrews believed in one God, while many neighboring people worshiped many gods.
Which empire did Cyrus the Great rule over that defeated Babylonia and allowed the Jews to return?
The Persian Empire