Phoenicians and Hebrews

Invasions by Sea Peoples (c. 1200 BCE) led to the collapse of Mycenaean and Near Eastern civilizations.
These invaders caused widespread devastation, leading to the collapse of the Babylonian kingdom and the weakening of others.
The Hittite kingdom collapsed, and the Egyptian New Kingdom was reduced.

The decline of the Hittites and Egyptians allowed the Phoenicians (modern Lebanon) to flourish after 1000 BCE.
Developed the alphabet around 1600 BCE, later adopted by the Greeks.
Established trade networks across the Mediterranean, including the city of Carthage.

Around 1900 BCE, Hebrews migrated to present-day Israel/Palestine from Mesopotamia.
Around 1600-1400 BCE, migrated to Egypt and were later enslaved.
Moses led the Hebrews out of Egypt around 1250 BCE.
Unified under a covenant with God, receiving the Ten Commandments.
Around 1200 BCE, led by Joshua back to Palestine, fought the Canaanites.
First kingdom established under Saul around 1020 BCE, followed by David (1010-970 BCE) and Solomon (970-930 BCE).
Under Solomon, high taxes and forced labor led to unrest.
After Solomon's death in 922 BCE, the kingdom divided into Israel (North) and Judah (South).

Developed the concept of justice and equality before God.
Introduced monotheism with Yahweh as the sole God under the covenant.
Developed a sacred text (Hebrew Bible) that influenced Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
Believed that God plays a role in history.
Assyrians captured Israel in 722 BCE, and Babylonians took Judah in 586 BCE, leading to Babylonian captivity.
Persian ruler Cyrus freed the Hebrews in 539 BCE, allowing them to return to Palestine.

The dispersion of Jews who maintained their identity by following Jewish law while living among foreigners.
Jews spread throughout the Near East, North Africa, and Europe during the Persian and Roman Empires.