Israeliteera

Israeliteera is a term that sometimes appears in discussions related to ancient Israel. It does not refer to a precisely defined historical period with universally accepted start and end dates. Instead, it is generally used to encompass the broad span of time during which the Israelites, or a people identifiable as such, existed as a distinct cultural and religious group in the ancient Near East. This period is understood to begin with their emergence in Canaan, often linked to the late Bronze Age, and extend through the Iron Age, encompassing the periods of the United Monarchy, the Divided Monarchy, and the Babylonian Exile.

The study of the Israelite era relies on a combination of archaeological evidence, textual analysis of biblical and extra-biblical sources, and comparative studies with neighboring civilizations. Key events and developments within this broad timeframe include the Exodus narrative, the settlement in Canaan, the establishment of the Israelite kingdoms of Israel and Judah, their subsequent decline and conquest by empires such as Assyria and Babylon, and the period of exile. The religious and cultural traditions that formed the basis of Judaism are also considered central to the Israelite era, evolving and taking shape during this long historical arc. The precise boundaries and internal divisions of this era remain subjects of scholarly debate, influenced by differing interpretations of available evidence and varying chronological frameworks.