Nation/Kingdom divided

Kingdom of Judah

Also known as: Southern Kingdom

Founded: c. 930 BCE Dissolved: 586 BCE Homeland: Judah

The Southern Kingdom consisted of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, with Jerusalem as its capital. It maintained the Davidic dynasty and the Temple throughout its existence.

Judah survived longer than Israel, finally falling to Babylon in 586 BCE. Unlike the northern tribes, the Judahites maintained their identity in exile and eventually returned to rebuild Jerusalem and the Temple.

Historical Evidence

Historicity: well-documented

Sources

  • 1 Kings 12
  • 2 Kings 25