{N}BIBLICAL CHRONOLOGY{/}

{K}- TOWARDS 1750. THE PATRIARCHS{/}
Between the years 2000 and 1750, a period of political revolts in Egypt and Mesopotamia. Among the small but numerous Canaanite kingdoms, presence of nomads who lived off sheep and goat breeding. The Bible speaks of some great figures who have left their names in the memory of these nomad clans: {N}Abraham{/}, {N}Isaac {/}and {N}Jacob{/} among others; they are the {N}Patriarchs{/}. Beginning of the adventure of the People of God.

{K}- BETWEEN 1750 AND 1550. IN EGYPT{/}
Egypt is governed by foreign princes of Asian origin who favor the arrival of pasture seeking nomads to the Nile delta. Among them there are clans originating from Palestine, who later on would form part of the People of Israel: descent of the children of {N}Jacob{/} to Egypt. 1750, Egyptian princes expel the foreign kings: expulsion of the Asians, "first" Exodus.

{K}- TOWARDS 1250. THE EXODUS{/}
Flight of the nomads led  by {N}Moses{/}, in order to avoid the burdens of the construction labor ordered by Ramses II: the {N}Exodus{/} (or exit from Egypt).
Spiritual experience, decisive for the future of Israel, in Mount {N}Horeb{/}. Later on, condivision or sharing of faith with the other tribes, in Kadesh-Barnea, pilgrimage place of the nomads.

{K}- 1200. CHANGE TO A RURAL LIFE{/}
The nomads who have returned from Palestine with {N}Joshua{/} unite themselves with those who have remained in the country. Frequent conflicts with the Canaanites from the interior and with the Philistines from the coast: their developed civilizations influence the nomads. Under the guidance of the {N}Judges{/} and of the first prophets, acquisition of solidarity among the tribes and trust in the God who saves.

{K}- 1030-1010. BEGINNING OF THE MONARCHY{/}
The frequent confrontations and the lack of unity induce the tribes to ask {N}Samuel{/}, the last judge, to give them a king. {N}Saul{/}, from the tribe of Benjamin, is designated. A reign without glory that facilitates determining the respective roles of the {N}prophet{/} and the {N}king{/}. Israel will not be a kingdom like the rest, since it is the people of God, called to witness in the midst of the nations its fidelity to the Unique God.

{K}- 1010-970. DAVID{/}
After the death of Saul in the battle of Gilboa, {N}David{/} is consecrated king by {N}Samuel{/}. He reconstructs the unity of a people where tribal struggles are reborn. David conquers Jerusalem and makes it his capital. Military campaigns ensure the independence and hegemony of Israel.

{K}- 970-931. SOLOMON{/}
Solomon{/}, son of David, adopts the idea of power of the sovereigns of the East: the foreign wives introduce their gods and cults in Jerusalem. Building of the {N}Temple{/} on the hill that dominates the city and, adjacent to it, the palace: at the top, God and king; below, the people. Politics of power and prestige: the burden falls mainly on the northern tribes. Rebellion is being hatched.

{K}- 931. THE SCHISM{/}
Crowning of {N}Rehoboam{/} in Shechem; the northern tribes present their complaints to the new king. His refusal to listen to them provokes the rebellion. Establishment of an independent kingdom composed of the tribes of the north and the center, which will keep the name of {N}kingdom{/} of {N}Israel{/}. The south, that remains faithful to the descendant of David, becomes the {N}kingdom{/} of {N}Judah{/}.

{K}- 931-587. KINGS AND PROPHETS{/}
After the schism, often difficult relations between the two kingdoms: these difficult relations worsen the dangers originating from outside attacks. In Israel and Judah the prophets ceaselessly bring to mind the wonders performed by God on behalf of their "forefathers." They call for fidelity to the demands of the covenant and conversion of heart.

{K}THE KINGDOM OF THE NORTH (931-721){/}
In daily contact with the Canaanites, the kingdom of Israel allows itself to be drawn by the cult to idols and adopts the customs of the pagans. Intervention of the prophets {N}Elijah{/}, {N}Elisha {/}and {N}Hosea{/}.
Instability proper of human institutions: numerous coups d'etat followed by changes of dynasty.
The awakening of Assyria in the VIII century marks out the end of the northern kingdom: invasion of the country and fall of Samaria, attacked by Sargon II (721). Deportation of a part of the population to Nineveh. Samaria, a province of the Assyrian empire: the invader settles there other peoples.

{K}THE KINGDOM OF JUDAH (931-587){/}
In spite of its errors, the smaller kingdom of Judah experiences a totally different history. Faithful to its promise, God maintains the descendants of David on the throne. Intervention of the kings to ensure the authority of the clergy of the Temple of Jerusalem, intervention of the priests in favor of the legitimate kings.
From the VIII to the VII centuries, several great prophets: {N}Isaiah{/}, {N}Micah{/}, {N}Zephaniah{/} and {N}Jeremiah{/}. Expectation of a Messiah and of new times. Miraculous liberation of {N}Jerusalem{/} in 701. Offensive return of paganism, which provokes {N}Josiah{/}'s reform. Aramean, Assyrian and finally Chaldean invasions. Ruin of Jerusalem and of the Temple; elite and artisans are deported to {N}Babylon{/}.

{K}- 587. RUIN OF JERUSALEM AND CAPTIVITY{/}
The ruin of Jerusalem and of the Temple is a terrible trial for the faith. The prophet {N}Ezekiel{/} assures the deported that God is with them in the exile. If they are converted, God will restore them to their country. The "second {N}Isaiah{/}" opens new perspectives: Israel's humiliations have been willed by God in order to prepare the people for a universal mission. Its weakness will be its strength, because God's last word is not his power but his love. Many Jews, returnees from Chaldea, forget this message and have no other project than to restore the former kingdom of David.

{K}- 538. CYRUS, EZRA AND NEHEMIAH{/}
Triumph of {N}Cyrus{/}, the Persian, over the various powers of the Middle East: creation of a vast empire. Sovereign of Babylon, Cyrus authorizes the displaced peoples to return to their country. Return of numerous deported to Jerusalem: rebuilding of the Holy City and of the Temple.
Considerable work in Judaism under the impulse of {N}Ezra{/}: almost definitive fixation of the text of the greater part of the books of the Old Testament, especially of the {N}Law{/} or Torah.
Preponderant role of the clergy in Israel. The country, a province of the Persian Empire, has lost its political independence; only the priests, guardians and helpers of the only Temple ensure the cohesion of the people of God.

{K}- 333. ALEXANDER AND THE GREEK{/}
Beginning from Macedonia, {N}Alexander{/} sweeps the armies of Darius and advances up to India. At his death, his successors divide his vast empire, before destroying one another. Palestine, conquered among the {N}Seleucidae{/} who reign in Antioch of Syria, and the {N}Lagids {/}(or {N}Ptolemies{/}), who rule over Egypt.
Strong tensions in the Jewish community between those who wish to be open to the Greek culture that has conquered the Near East, and those who remain fiercely attached to the traditions of their forefathers. Beginning of the Assidean movement (the "religious"), from which the {N}Pharisees{/} and the {N}Essenes{/} will originate.

{K}- 167-164. PERSECUTION AND REVOLT{/}
Antiochus IV, king of Syria, plunders the treasures of the temple of Jerusalem to reinforce his army. This sacrilege and the ensuing persecution give rise to the rebellion of the priest {N}Mattathias{/} and of his children, {N}Judas Maccabeus{/}, {N}Jonathan{/} and {N}Simon{/}. Fierce battles of the Jews for their political and religious independence. {N}Simon{/}, high priest and king, inaugurates the dynasty of the Asmoneans, in which the political and the religious power are united under the same crown. The dream of the great kingdom of David is revived: re-conquest of the remote territories, made easy by the decadence of the Syrian kingdom.

{K}- 63-4 (B.C.). POMPEY, HEROD{/}
Pompey takes advantage of the disputes of Hircanus II and Aristobulus II, two Asmonean brothers aspirants to the throne, to impose the Roman law in the country.
After years of intrigues, Herod the Great, married to an Asmonean woman, eliminates his rivals and has himself named king of Rome.
Tyrannical ruling of Herod. The high priests are appointed by the government and no longer enjoy their position for life; they dominate the Sadducean party.
The {N}Zealot{/} party fosters terrorism against the Roman invader that increases the exorbitant taxes that are collected by the publicans. Famines, strikes and great efforts to monopolize manpower.
In the year 19, {N}Herod{/} begins the work of embellishment of the Temple.
Approximately two years before Herod's death, the birth of {N}Jesus{/}.
{K}- 4 B.C.-6 A.D.  HEROD ANTIPAS{/}
Violent disorders at the death of {N}Herod{/} the Great in the year 4. The emperor Augustus gives Judaea to {N}Archilaus{/}, and Galilee and Peraea to his brother {N}Herod Antipas{/}. Bad ruling by Archilaus: Rome exiles him to Gallia and entrusts the direct administration of Judaea to the Roman governor of Syria. Zealot terrorism in Galilee and cruel repression.

{K}- 6-39. THE PROCURATORS{/}
Caesarea Maritima, capital of the Roman procurators. The best known is {N}Pontius Pilate{/}, who will condemn Jesus. Galilee, "allied kingdom" entrusted to Herod Antipas. His intrigues get him deported to the West.
In autumn of 27, preaching of John the Baptist and beginning of the public life of {N}Jesus{/}.
Passover of 28, first ascent of {N}Jesus{/} to {N}Jerusalem{/} [Jn_2,13].
29. John the Baptist is beheaded in the fortress of Machaeron.
30. Jesus is crucified on the eve of the Passover (most probably, on 7 April of the year 30). Risen, he appears to his disciples on the day after the Sabbath, the first day of the week.

{K}- 36-37. THE BEGINNINGS OF THE CHURCH{/}
36. Death of Stephen and conversion of {N}Paul{/}.
37. Herod Agrippa is named king of the whole of Palestine, except Judaea.
44. {N}Herod{/} has {N}James{/} executed [Acts_12,1]. Deliverance of Peter.
46-48. First mission of Paul.
49. The Council of {N}Jerusalem{/} frees the Christians from the Jewish law.
49-52. Second mission of {N}Paul.{/} He is in Corinth during the time of Gallio (52).
53-58. Third mission of {N}Paul{/}.
58. Nero is emperor of Rome. {N}James{/} "brother of the Lord," head of the Church of Jerusalem. Paul is arrested in the temple [Acts_22,1].
60. Festus, procurator of Judaea.
61-63. {N}Paul{/} in {N}Rome{/} [Acts_28,1]. James, lapidated by order of the high priest.
64. Burning of Rome and persecution of the Christians.
64 (or 67?). {N}Peter{/}, martyr in {N}Rome{/}.
67 (or 64?). {N}Paul{/}, martyr in {N}Rome{/}.
{K}- 66-72. THE FIRST JEWISH REVOLT{/}
66. First revolts. The Christian community takes refuge in Pella, at the other side of the Jordan.
After 4 years of war, Titus takes over Jerusalem and burns the Temple.
