Historical overview

Facts About Israel: History
(1 Apr 2008)
Israel's 60th Anniversary Edition
HISTORY: Biblical Times
(1 Apr 2008)
Jewish history began about 4,000 years ago (c. 17th century BCE) with the patriarchs - Abraham, his son Isaac, and grandson Jacob.
HISTORY: Second Temple Period - Return to Zion
(1 Apr 2008)
Following a decree by the Persian King Cyrus (538 BCE), 50,000 Jews set out on the first return to the Land of Israel.
HISTORY: Foreign Domination
(1 Apr 2008)
Roman rule was followed by centuries of domination by successive foreign powers: Byzantine, Arab, Crusaders, Mamluk, Ottoman and British.
HISTORY: The State of Israel
(1 Apr 2008)
On 14 May 1948, Israel proclaimed its independence.
HISTORY: The Peace Process
(1 Apr 2008)
The Madrid Peace Conference (October 1991) brought together representatives of Israel, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and the Palestinians.