History of Palestine - The Long Version

The Long History of Palestine

Historic view of Palestine

Historic illustration of a region in Palestine

Palestine is a region with a rich tapestry of cultural, religious, and political histories stretching back thousands of years. From the earliest evidence of human habitation in the Stone Age to the modern-day complexities surrounding its status, the land has been shaped by innumerable influences. This post provides a detailed exploration of Palestine’s past—its ancient civilizations, major empires, pivotal moments of exile and return, the establishment of religious sites, and ongoing modern conflicts.


1. Stone Age Beginnings

Archaeological excavations in places such as Mount Carmel and Jericho indicate that human activity in the region dates back to the Paleolithic Period. Over time, ancient inhabitants transitioned from nomadic hunting and gathering to developing early forms of agriculture. Jericho, for instance, is often cited as one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities—its roots trace back to roughly 7000 BCE.

To learn more about these formative epochs, you can explore the Palestine Campaign’s History Resource . This site offers further reading on the early communities that laid the cultural groundwork for subsequent civilizations in the Levant.


2. The Bronze Age City-States

Rise of Canaanite Culture

By the 3rd millennium BCE, the land often referred to as Canaan witnessed the development of fortified city-states such as Megiddo, Hazor, and Lachish. These urban centers maintained trade routes stretching into Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Anatolia. The cultural and religious traditions of the Canaanites influenced the region for centuries, evident in artifacts, pottery, and the remains of ancient walls and temples unearthed by archaeologists.

For a broader context on the Bronze Age in Palestine, see Encyclopedia Britannica’s entry on Palestine , which outlines how these city-states connected with neighboring empires and peoples.


3. Iron Age Kingdoms and Conflicts

The Emergence of Israel and Judah

Around the early Iron Age (circa 1200–586 BCE), shifting populations and political entities led to the formation of the Israelite kingdoms. The Kingdom of Israel (in the north) and the Kingdom of Judah (in the south) both drew from the cultural milieu of the Levant while maintaining distinct religious traditions—most notably, the monotheistic worship of Yahweh.

Assyrian Domination and Shaping of the Region

Between the 9th and 7th centuries BCE, the powerful Neo-Assyrian Empire expanded westward, subjugating many Levantine states. Israel fell in 722 BCE, altering local demographics through deportations and resettlements. Meanwhile, Judah preserved a measure of independence, albeit as a tributary state, until its eventual downfall.

King Jehu of Israel bows before Shalmaneser III, late 9th century BCE

King Jehu of Israel bows before Shalmaneser III, late 9th century BCE


4. Babylonian Conquest and the First Major Exile

The Fall of Jerusalem and Destruction of the First Temple

In 586 BCE, the Neo-Babylonian Empire under Nebuchadrezzar II captured Jerusalem. The Babylonians destroyed the First Temple (traditionally linked to King Solomon) and exiled many Judeans to Babylon, a watershed moment known as the Babylonian Captivity or Exile. This event profoundly impacted the cultural and religious identity of the Jewish people, who further developed communal worship practices and scriptural traditions while in exile.

Historical References

For additional details on Babylonian policies and the exile’s influence on local communities, consult History.com’s Palestine Section . This resource covers the interplay between military conquests and cultural shifts that would shape the next era.


5. Persian Rule and the Second Temple

The Edict of Cyrus the Great

When Cyrus the Great of the Persian Achaemenid dynasty conquered Babylon in 539 BCE, he permitted exiled populations to return to their ancestral lands. As recorded in biblical and other historical accounts, many Jews returned to Judah and started rebuilding Jerusalem’s Temple. By 515 BCE, the Second Temple was completed—an event that solidified the religious centrality of Jerusalem.

Autonomy and Governance

Under Persian administration, Palestine became part of a larger satrapy system, with local governance permitted under imperial oversight. The restoration of religious life and temple worship established an enduring institution.


6. Hellenistic Influences and Maccabean Revolts

From Alexander the Great to the Seleucids

Following Alexander the Great’s conquests (4th century BCE), Palestine fell under Hellenistic rule, first by the Ptolemies and later by the Seleucids. Greek language and customs proliferated, influencing architecture, art, and administration. However, not everyone welcomed such changes.

The Maccabean Revolt

In the 2nd century BCE, the Seleucid rulers imposed measures that many devout Jews perceived as religious oppression, such as the desecration of the Temple. This led to the Maccabean Revolt, which succeeded in restoring the Temple’s sanctity and establishing the Hasmonean Dynasty. During Hasmonean rule, the region experienced a phase of relative independence before falling under Roman influence.


7. Roman Conquest, Jewish Revolts, and Diaspora

Herodian Dynasty and Second Temple Expansion

By the 1st century BCE, the Roman general Pompey took control of Jerusalem. Local figures like Herod the Great (a client king under Rome) embarked on extensive building projects, including the remarkable expansion of the Second Temple. Political factions such as the Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes, and Zealots emerged, reflecting diverse religious and socio-political viewpoints.

Samaritan ruins on Mount Gerizim

Samaritan ruins on Mount Gerizim

First Jewish Revolt and Temple Destruction

Tensions between Roman authorities and local populations culminated in the First Jewish Revolt (66–70 CE). The Romans, led by General Titus, quelled the uprising after a devastating siege of Jerusalem, which ended in the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE. This prompted a widespread diaspora.

Bar Kokhba Revolt and Expulsion

Another significant uprising, the Bar Kokhba Revolt (132–135 CE), was likewise suppressed. Emperor Hadrian reacted by renaming the area Syria Palaestina and, according to certain accounts, restricting Jewish access to Jerusalem. Although not a total expulsion from the region, this moment marked a deeper diaspora for many Jewish communities.

Provinces of the Roman empire around 210 CE including Syria-Palestina

Provinces of the Roman Empire around 210 CE, including Syria-Palestina


8. Byzantine Era, Early Islam, and Changing Populations

Christianization and Holy Sites

Under Byzantine rule (4th–7th centuries CE), Christianity became the dominant religion, and Palestine turned into a center for pilgrimage. Churches were built over sites significant to Christian tradition, such as Jerusalem’s Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Cross-section of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre showing Calvary and the Tomb of Jesus

Cross-section of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre showing the traditional site of Calvary and the Tomb of Jesus

Islamic Conquests and the Return of Jews

In the early 7th century, Arab Muslim armies defeated the Byzantines, bringing the region under Islamic rule. Cities like Jerusalem, known to Muslims as Al-Quds, welcomed returning Jewish populations, reflecting Islamic policies that generally permitted religious communities a measure of autonomy.

The Dome of the Rock

The Dome of the Rock


9. Crusaders, Mamluks, and the Ottoman Empire

Crusader Kingdoms and Muslim Reconquest

European Crusaders arrived in the late 11th century, establishing short-lived states centered on Jerusalem and other fortresses. Salah ad-Din (Saladin) recaptured these areas in the late 12th century, permitting Jews to return and settle once again. By the 13th century’s close, the Mamluks consolidated control, focusing on securing trade routes and religious sites.

Ottoman Governance (1517–1917)

In 1517, the Ottoman Empire absorbed Palestine, incorporating it into its extensive provincial systems. Ottoman authorities conducted land surveys, instituted administrative reforms, and built roads. Major cities, including Jerusalem, Jaffa, and Hebron, continued to evolve as trade and pilgrimage hubs. Despite the empire’s decline in the 19th century, Palestine maintained a multi-ethnic, multi-religious character, forming an important nexus in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Maps of Ottoman Palestine showing the Kaza subdivisions.

Maps of Ottoman Palestine showing the Kaza subdivisions

Town of Bethlehem, from Views in the Ottoman Dominions, in Europe, in Asia, and some of the Mediterranean islands (1810) illustrated by Luigi Mayer.

Town of Bethlehem, from Views in the Ottoman Dominions (1810), illustrated by Luigi Mayer


10. The British Mandate (1917–1947)

End of Ottoman Rule and the Balfour Declaration

During World War I, British forces captured Palestine. In 1917, the Balfour Declaration expressed support for a “national home for the Jewish people” in Palestine, a policy that would be formalized under the League of Nations’ Mandate system in 1922. This set the stage for significant Jewish immigration and growing tensions with the Arab population, who sought national independence and self-determination.

Rebellions and British Responses

As Arab nationalists grew apprehensive about demographic changes, riots and revolts erupted in the 1920s and 1930s. Britain attempted various legislative and partition plans—often controversial—in an effort to quell unrest. Ultimately, the British government handed the question of Palestine to the United Nations in 1947, setting the scene for subsequent partition proposals.

palestinian men eating in the early 1900's

Palestinian men eating in the early 1900's

The UN’s historical portal on Palestine offers valuable documentation from the Mandate period, including letters, resolutions, and diplomatic correspondence that illuminate this crucial era.


11. The 1947 UN Partition, 1948 War, and the Exodus

Partition Plan and the Establishment of Israel

In 1947, the United Nations proposed splitting Palestine into two states—one Arab, one Jewish—with a special international status for Jerusalem. Jewish leaders accepted the plan, whereas Arab leaders largely rejected it. Israel declared independence in May 1948, sparking a war with neighboring Arab states.

The Palestine Exodus

During and after the 1948 War, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians fled or were expelled from their homes, an event known as al-Nakba or the Palestine Exodus. Many sought refuge in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and beyond, creating an enduring refugee situation that remains pivotal in discussions about the conflict and potential peace agreements.

A Haganah fighter just before the start of the Israeli war of independence in 1948

A Haganah fighter just before the start of the Israeli war of independence in 1948

Arab Legion soldiers fire on fighters of the Haganah, the Jewish Agency self-defence force, in March 1948

Arab Legion soldiers fire on fighters of the Haganah, the Jewish Agency self-defence force, in March 1948


12. From 1967 to the Present: Ongoing Conflicts and Peace Efforts

The Six-Day War (1967) and Occupied Territories

In June 1967, Israel captured the West Bank (including East Jerusalem), the Gaza Strip, and other territories in a swift conflict known as the Six-Day War. These areas became militarily occupied, drastically shaping the political landscape. Multiple UN resolutions (e.g., 242 and 338) called for peace negotiations and withdrawal from territories occupied during the war.

Key Negotiations and Events

  • 1973 Yom Kippur/October War: Arab states launched an attack on Israel, resulting in a crisis that eventually paved the way for further diplomatic engagements.
  • Oslo Accords (1993): Marked mutual recognition between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), establishing limited Palestinian self-rule in parts of the West Bank and Gaza.
  • Intifadas (Uprisings): The First Intifada (1987–1993) and the Second Intifada (2000–2005) were characterized by widespread protests, violence, and shifting global perceptions of the conflict.
  • Recent Developments: Continued disputes over settlements, blockade conditions in Gaza, and the status of Jerusalem continue to challenge conflict-resolution efforts.

13. Contemporary Humanitarian and Sociopolitical Context

Many Palestinians currently reside in refugee camps across Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon. The Gaza Strip faces significant socioeconomic hardships under blockade, and the West Bank grapples with settlement expansions and mobility restrictions. International organizations and civil society groups work to address humanitarian needs, encourage dialogue, and propose frameworks for a lasting peace.

To delve deeper into present-day challenges, visit the BBC’s current affairs coverage , which touches on socio-political aspects and youth perspectives in Palestine and Israel.


FAQ: History of Palestine

1. When was Palestine founded?

The modern concept of a Palestinian state gained momentum in the 20th century. In 1988, during a meeting of the Palestine National Council in Algiers, the State of Palestine was formally proclaimed. Sources, such as the UNISPAL website , provide more context on the political developments leading to this declaration.

2. Why are Israel and Palestine fighting?

The Israel-Palestine conflict stems from overlapping territorial claims, historical grievances, and national aspirations for independence and security. According to BBC Newsbeat , the dispute spans decades, fueled by issues such as settlements, borders, the status of Jerusalem, and the right of return for refugees. Different narratives—rooted in religion, history, and identity—further complicate peace efforts.

3. What defines the history of Palestine?

Palestine’s history encompasses prehistoric settlements, Canaanite city-states, Israelite and Judean kingdoms, long stretches under major empires (Assyrian, Babylonian, Persian, Hellenistic, Roman-Byzantine, Islamic, Crusader, Mamluk, Ottoman), the British Mandate, and modern conflicts, including the creation of Israel and ongoing disputes over land, sovereignty, and refugees.

4. How did the Babylonian Conquest reshape the region?

Babylon’s destruction of Jerusalem and the First Temple in 586 BCE led to significant demographic shifts, as many Judeans were deported. This exile period catalyzed deeper religious reforms and the eventual return under Persian rule, culminating in the construction of the Second Temple.

5. Why is the expulsion of Jews (after Bar Kokhba Revolt) significant?

While not a complete expulsion from all of Palestine, Emperor Hadrian’s policies targeted Jewish residency in Jerusalem, fueling diaspora movements. These shifts helped shape Jewish communities around the Mediterranean and the Near East.

6. How did Islam affect the return of Jewish communities to Jerusalem?

Following the Islamic conquests in the 7th century, policies generally permitted Jews to live and worship in Jerusalem, reversing certain previous Byzantine-era restrictions. Over time, Jews, Christians, and Muslims coexisted in the city, albeit under different rulings and degrees of tolerance.

7. What are key resources for further study?

- UN’s Unispal History Portal
- Encyclopedia Britannica
- Palestine Campaign Resources
- BBC Newsbeat on Palestine
- History.com


FAQ: Native Threads

1. What is Native Threads?

Native Threads is a brand committed to cultural authenticity, sustainability, and ethical fashion. Our apparel and accessories reflect a blend of timeless motifs and contemporary design, celebrating heritage in meaningful ways.

2. How can I purchase Native Threads products?

Browse our collections on our official website, where you can securely check out and learn more about our design inspirations. You may also follow us on social media for special offers and updates on new product launches.

3. Does Native Threads contribute to causes related to Palestine?

Yes. We periodically partner with humanitarian and cultural preservation initiatives that benefit communities in Palestine, reflecting our values of global solidarity and respect for diverse traditions.


Conclusion

The long history of Palestine is marked by remarkable resilience, cultural exchange, religious innovation, and persistent conflict. Understanding its vast chronology—from Stone Age communities to modern geopolitical challenges—fosters a deeper awareness of why the region remains a focal point of global attention. By exploring reputable sources, supporting humanitarian efforts, and engaging in informed dialogue, individuals everywhere can contribute to a more nuanced and empathetic perspective on Palestine’s ongoing narrative.

For additional details and archived documents, consider exploring the UNISPAL History pages, or this comprehensive timeline from the Palestine Campaign. Each resource offers further insights into the milestones, treaties, and turning points that have shaped Palestine over the centuries.