Assyrian and Babylonian Exile

The Assyrian and Babylonian exiles were two significant events in ancient history that had a profound impact on the people of Israel and Judah. These events shaped the religious, cultural, and historical identity of the Israelites and are important to understand in the study of ancient civilizations.

Assyrian Exile

The Assyrian exile refers to the forced relocation of the people of the Kingdom of Israel by the Assyrian Empire in the 8th century BCE. The Assyrians conquered the northern kingdom of Israel and deported many of its inhabitants to other parts of the Assyrian Empire. This event led to the scattering of the ten northern tribes of Israel and marked the end of the Kingdom of Israel as an independent political entity.

Babylonian Exile

The Babylonian exile, also known as the Babylonian captivity, occurred when the Neo-Babylonian Empire, under King Nebuchadnezzar II, conquered the Kingdom of Judah and deported a significant portion of its population to Babylon. The Babylonian Exile lasted for about 70 years and had a profound impact on the religious and cultural life of the Jewish people.

Study Guide

What were the Assyrian and Babylonian exiles?

The Assyrian exile refers to the forced relocation of the people of the Kingdom of Israel by the Assyrian Empire in the 8th century BCE. The Babylonian exile, also known as the Babylonian captivity, occurred when the Neo-Babylonian Empire, under King Nebuchadnezzar II, conquered the Kingdom of Judah and deported a significant portion of its population to Babylon.

What impact did the Assyrian and Babylonian exiles have on the Israelites?

The Assyrian and Babylonian exiles led to the scattering and dispersion of the Israelites, marking the end of the independent kingdoms of Israel and Judah. The exiles also had a profound impact on the religious and cultural identity of the Jewish people, leading to the development of new religious practices and a sense of longing for their homeland.

How long did the Babylonian Exile last?

The Babylonian Exile lasted for about 70 years, during which the exiled Jews lived in Babylon and experienced significant cultural and religious changes.

◂Social Studies Worksheets and Study Guides Eighth Grade. Ancient Israel

The resources above cover the following skills:

National Curriculum Standards for Social Studies (NCSS)

TIME, CONTINUITY, AND CHANGE

SOCIAL STUDIES PROGRAMS SHOULD INCLUDE EXPERIENCES THAT PROVIDE FOR THE STUDY OF THE PAST AND ITS LEGACY.

KNOWLEDGE - Learners will understand:

Key historical periods and patterns of change within and across cultures (e.g., the rise and fall of ancient civilizations, the development of technology, the rise of modern nation-states, and the establishment and breakdown of colonial systems).

National Center for History in Schools (NCHS)

Historical Thinking Standards

Historical Comprehension

Reconstruct the literal meaning of a historical passage.

World History Content Standards

Era 2: Early Civilizations and the Emergence of Pastoral Peoples, 4000-1000 BCE

The major characteristics of civilization and how civilizations emerged in Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Indus valley.

The student understands how Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Indus valley became centers of dense population, urbanization, and cultural innovation in the fourth and third millennia BCE.

The student understands how commercial and cultural interactions contributed to change in the Tigris-Euphrates, Indus, and Nile regions.

Major trends in Eurasia and Africa from 4000-1000 BCE.

The student understands major trends in Eurasia and Africa from 4000 to 1000 BCE.

Era 3: Classical Traditions, Major Religions, and Giant Empires, 1000 BCE-300 CE

Innovation and change from 1000-600 BCE horses, ships, iron, and monotheistic faith.

The student understands the emergence of Judaism and the historical significance of the Hebrew kingdoms.