9/28/2010
Phoenicians and Hebrews
Phoenicians (1000600BCE)
Lived along the Mediterranean coast, west of the Jordan
River, in present-day Lebanon
Economic System:
Traders, brought others goods and sold them
throughout Mediterranean area.
Inventions, Achievements:
Sailing, Lebanon known for cedar trees, made strong
ships
From Cuneiform, created a 22 letter system of writing
based on sounds, did not have letters for vowels
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9/28/2010
Hebrews
Civilization located in Jordan River Valley, on the western side of
the Jordan River
Major Figures:
Abraham: born in Ur, in Mesopotamia, travels west to the
Jordan River Valley and settles his family in what will become
Jerusalem. Has 2 sons, Isaac and Ishmael. Hebrews
claimed descent through Isaac.
Moses: born a Hebrew in Egypt, though raised in the
Pharoah’s family as an Egyptian. Becomes leader of
Hebrews as they leave Egypt and return to the Jordan River
Valley.
David: unites Hebrews as one Kingdom of people. His son,
Solomon, builds a massive temple in Jerusalem
Conquered by Babylonians in 587BCE,begins “Babylonian Exile.”
Eventually allowed to return, although some sharing of culture
occurs between Hebrews and Babylonians (Noah v. Gilgamesh)
Judaism
The first truly monotheistic religion in the world.
Belief is in one God, whose name is rarely spoken, Hebrew letters
spell YHWH. Often called simply “adonai” of Lord.
Religion emphasizes the law, rules Adonai commands believers to
obey.
The scripture called “Leviticus” lists many laws of everyday
life. Why were these practical?
What the Hebrews contribute to the world:
Monotheism, the prophet’s voice, Hebrew writing and “alephbat”
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