Israel (the Holy land) is the originating place for the three major world religions. It is a very historic country. Many events have occurred here, including these following ones:

1500 B.C. - Abraham and Sarah set up a camp. Abraham became the ruler of two great nations. Sarah had a child named Isaac. Abraham was asked to sacrifice Isaac, but an angel stopped him. Jacob was promised the Holy Land. He was the father of the twelve tribes of Israel.

14th century B.C. - Moses emerges as a leader. Moses led the people out of bondage. The 10 Commandments were given on Mt. Sinai. Moses was told not to set foot on the Holy Land. Joshua took over the Promised Land.

1010 B.C. - King Saul faced the Philistines in battle. David fought Goliath. David was chosen by God to become King of Israel when King Solomon died. Jerusalem became the capital of Israel.

965 B.C. - David�s son, Solomon, becomes a great ruler. He is a very wise man. He built a temple called The House of the Lord. It was over-laid with gold. He has 1,000 wives and writes the Biblical book �Song of Songs�. When Solomon died, the kingdom was divided. Jerusalem is conquered and the House of the Lord is destroyed.

685 B.C. - Ezekial preaches to the people of Israel.

Between the Old Testament and the New Testament - The people returned to Israel. King Herod built many palaces and temples. Herod rebuilt the House of the Lord. The Jews were later divided. The Dead Sea Scrolls were written around this time.

1 A.D. - Joseph and Mary of Nazareth went to Bethlehem. Jesus was born here. He was baptized and performed miracles such as turning water into wine and healing. He appointed twelve disciples. After the Passover one year, Jesus was taken to Calvary to be crucified.

35 A.D. � On Good Friday Jesus was taken through the city and was crucified.

73 A.D. � A revolt was held against the Romans. It failed, and Rome took over the Holy Land.

3rd Century to 5th Century � Romans have accepted Christianity by this time. The Byzantines have built many churches.

6th Century to 11th Century � Muslims conquered the country. Islam becomes the religion of the Middle East. Jerusalem becomes known as �The Holy Sanctuary�.

11th Century to 13th Century � Christians returned to the Holy Land and the Crusades (holy wars) were held.

16th Century � The country is taken over by the Muslims. Napoleon invades Israel and is defeated.

19th Century � Modern Jerusalem is born. The Jews are all called to return to their homeland. The Declaration of Independence of Israel is written.

1948 � Israel becomes an independent nation.