Ancient History Resources for Homeschool and Personal Study. This weeks topics: The Omrides, the Hebrews return from the Exile, Babata, Petra, the Rose Red City and Masada.

Ancient History is studied through the collection of archeological evidence, written records and oral stories or myths. Just because evidence shows a particular belief or custom was common at a particular time does not mean that everyone in that civilization shared that belief. When you study the topics for this week, you can either go deep on one topic for the week and skip the others or you can do a new topic each day. This outline is just a suggested pace, you can go slower or faster as needed. This outline is intended to provide you with a place to start. You will still need to do your own research.

Petra, Ad Deir

Homeschool Topics for Week 20

The Omrides

The Hebrews and the Exile

Babata

Petra, the Rose Red City

Masada

Discussion Questions

The Omrides

The Northern Kingdom led by the House of Omri attained a measure of prosperity through a trade alliance with Tyre. Archeological evidence of the Omrides is found at Jezreel, Megiddo and Hazor. Jezebel was the capital city of the Northern Kingdom under King Ahab. Tel Megiddo is an ancient city far older than the Omrides with evidence of their dynasty. However, there is no archeological evidence of the earlier King Solomon's reign in this city or elsewhere in Israel unless you attribute Motza to his reign. The Northern Kingdom was overthrown and its inhabitants deported by the Assyrians in 733 BC. Those who remained behind were known as Samaritans.

The Hebrews and the Exile

The Kingdom of Judah with it's capital in Jerusalem was led by the House of David. The Tribe of Judah lost control of the area that became known as the Northern Kingdom when its kings imposed heavy taxes. The first king to impose heavy taxes was Solomon, who built a grand temple. Later kings increased the taxes for their own personal benefit. The Southern Kingdom, as it became known, was exposed to invasion and was overthrown by the Babylonians in 597 BC. The Exile refers to the Babylonian policy of removing 20% of the conquered local population. The remaining population suffered from war-induced famine and disease and was reduced to 10% of pre-conflict levels. The Persian King Cyrus issued a proclamation by which the Jews were allowed to return to Jerusalem after the fall of Babylon.

Babata

Babata was a Jewish woman of property. Her legal records give us a glimpse into many aspects of life for Jewish women. She owned a date plantation and had the ability to defend it legally.

Petra, the Rose Red City

Petra was originally inhabited by Edomites but by at least 200 BC, Arabs were using the site as the center of their spice trade. The Arabs were nomadic but they carved buildings into the cliffs for burying their dead and harvested rainwater which they kept in an artificial cistern. The Nabateans held a monopoly on trade due to their knowledge of desert climate survival. Up to 3000 tons of frankincense and myrrh were transported yearly at the height of the Nabateans. Many items they traded were brought to Arabia by sea from Asia. Learn more here and here.

Masada

Masada was a palace fortress captured and improved by Herod upon which a group of Jewish zealots were exterminated by the Romans. The details of their death are somewhat disturbing but the idea of resistance is a common theme among the Hebrews.

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