History of Palestine

Unlike the Mediterranean Sea, which runs westerly, the Jordan River runs easterly along its course. Palestine is a Middle Eastern country. Its rich and complex past runs thousands of years. 

Early History

Canaanites were the earliest people recorded to have inhabited Palestine 3000 BCE. Among the numerous that sprang from the past were ancient civilisations such as the Persians, Greeks, Assyrians, Babylonians, and Egyptians. These civilisations shaped Palestinian civilisation by means of building, art, and language. The Roman invasion of Palestine in 63 BCE granted control for about 600 years. In this epoch, Judaism started to take the stage. 

Arab Governance 

In 636 CE, Arabs grabbed Palestine and brought Islam there. Palestine developed both culturally and commercially under Arab rule.  Renowned libraries and universities attracted intellectuals from all around, forming this centre of knowledge. But early in the 12th century, Christian Crusaders arrived in Palestine in quest of Jerusalem. Centuries of conflict between Muslims and Christians over the area's supremacy followed from this. 

Ages of Bronze and Iron (3700–539 BCE)

With trade, technology, and artistic evolution, the Bronze and Iron Ages define a significant chapter in Palestinian history. During these ages, major civilisations as the Canaanites, Israelites, Philistines, and Phoenicians first arose. Among the first known to have resided in Palestine, the Canaanites were agricultural masters and metalworkers. They developed city-states with sophisticated political structures and revered several gods and goddesses. About 1200 BCE, another tribe that arose in Palestine was the Israelites. Based on the conviction in one God under prophets like Abraham, Moses, and David, people established a monotheistic faith. Apart from their great sense of togetherness, the Israelites built a sophisticated moral and legal framework sometimes referred to as the Ten Commandments. Originally from the Aegean Sea, the Philistines became rather well-known in Palestine from 1100 BCE. Skilled fighters, their advanced weapon technology distinguishes them from neighbouring kingdoms. Especially, the well-known David and Goliath confrontation, the Philistines are infamous for their strife with the Israelites.

Egyptian dominance 

Though the strong neighbouring kingdom of Egypt usually dominated Palestine, it had unique tribes and customs. From religion to art to architecture, many aspects of Palestinian life reveal Egypt's influence on the nation. The Egyptians thought in a complex system of gods and goddesses, as did other ancient societies in the region. Many Palestinians adopted these beliefs and implemented them into their own religious practices as well. 

The Late Bronze Age collapse

Known as the "Catastrophe," or Late Bronze Age collapse, the Mediterranean area saw population drop and destruction in the late 13th and early 12th century BCE. Among the several theories put up as to why this terrible tragedy happened are internal society issues, invasion by foreign troops, and natural disasters. Still, one aspect sometimes overlooked is how the fall of ancient Egypt affected neighbouring societies. 

Early Jews and Philistines 

More exactly, the fall of ancient Egypt affected the Philistines and the early Israelites among other societies situated near it. Two Semitic-speaking tribes, the Israelites, migrated to Canaan about 1200 BCE. Egyptian trade and culture had a great impact on them and helped them to define themselves as the Israelites. Farmers and herders living in tiny towns were organised into tribes. Aegean people migrated late in the Bronze Age to the eastern Mediterranean, producing a confederation sometimes referred to as the Philistines, sometimes the Sea Peoples. 

Kingdom of Israel and Judah 

The Israelites were expanding their territory and impact in the environs until the United Kingdom was founded. Solomon, Son of King David, became famous for his trading and international building endeavours. The basic causes of this tribal conflict were political and theological ones.  Assyrian raids posed continuous threats even if the Kingdom of Israel was larger and stronger than Judah.  Seized was Israel's capital, Samaria; the Assyrians banished many of their people in 722 BCE.   This marked the demise of the Northern Kingdom and the absorption of its citizens into other civilisations. 

Assyrian campaigns 

Similar collapses of the Kingdom of Judah took place in 586 BCE; the Assyrians seized the Kingdom of Israel in 722 BCE. Celebrated for its merciless military tactics, which routinely used intimidation and violence to subjugate its rivals, the Assyrian Empire was also skilled in managing a deportation program, sending conquered people to different areas of their realm, so as to prevent any future revolution. 

Period of Babylonian influence 

The Babylonian period was the one under which the Babylonian Empire invaded and governed ancient Mesopotamia during the kingdoms of Israel and Judah.  Beginning with the fall of Assyria, this age came to an end with the rise of Persia. 

Age of Achaemenid Rule 

The Persian Empire subjugated Israel and Judah, among other ancient peoples in Mesopotamia, in the Achaemenid period. This year began with Alexander the Great's conquest of Persia in 330 BCE. 

Hellenic era 

Following the victories of Alexander the Great, Greek culture predominated the Mediterranean. Hellenistic states, particularly the Seleucid Empire, governed Judea. Together, Greek and indigenous civilisations produced new languages, art forms, and concepts.

Wars between the Jewish and Roman people

 By control over Judea, the Jewish–Roman wars were a series of battles between the Roman Empire and the Jewish Empire. Bombing Jerusalem's Second Temple, the First Jewish-Roman War ran from 66 to 73 CE. Then, endangering the Jews, the Bar Kokhba Revolt (132–136 CE) enhanced local Roman power.

The Roman Era

From 63 BCE until 324 CE, Ancient Judea was a Roman Empire province. The Roman era is thus linked with significant local developments. Most famously, Pontius Pilate, who oversaw the trial of Jesus, several Roman governors, and procurators kept an eye on Judea. Many Jews objected, and the Romans taxed them severely and limited their religious activities, setting out upheavals. 

Roman Judea through the Herodian dynasty 

The history of Judea was mostly comprised of the Herodian dynasty. Appointed by the Romans, client monarch Herod the Great dominated Judea between 37 and 4 BCE. Among his massive construction projects were the expansion of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and the Masada structure. His empire was split among his sons; Archelaus controlled Judea until a succession of Roman rulers took over following Herod's death. Among these leaders was Pontius Pilate, much praised for overseeing Jesus's execution. King over some of Judea in 41 CE, Roman emperor Caligula assigned Agrippa I, another member of the Herodian dynasty. The first targets of persecution were Christians; Agrippa I, grandson of Herod, killed James the apostle. Agrippa I passed away in 44 CE; Rome awarded his son, Agrippa II, his realm. Jewish historian Josephus claims that he ruled until 100 CE and is mentioned in the New Testament. 

Palaestina Province of Syria

After Rome, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria were dubbed the "Palace." Under Roman control, Jews were ethically denied access to Jerusalem, Aelia Capitolina. Once the Second Temple was destroyed, Judaism changed from animal sacrifice to prayer and study. 

Byzantine Empire 

Palestine became Byzantine following the Roman Empire's collapse in 324 CE. Christianity became the most often utilised religion in the area during this period; several churches were erected at Jerusalem and other significant sites. One important Byzantine event recounts Helena's voyage to Palestine in search of Christian wealth, therefore identifying the mother of Emperor Constantine. This set off a flurry of studies on biblical archaeology and the finding of significant holy objects like the True Cross. 

Early Muslim age 

Arab armies attacked the area in the 7th century, therefore establishing a new Islamic state through acquisition. Jerusalem's importance in the life of the Prophet Muhammad helped Muslims to flourish and consider it a wonderful city. Designed and built in 691 AD, the Dome of the Rock became Jerusalem's most well-known example of early Islamic architecture. Built during this era is also the Al-Aqsa Mosque on the Temple Mount. The Byzantines exiled Jews, but they may make it back and live in Jerusalem under Muslim rule. Christians were free to live by their beliefs and preserve their holy sites as well.

Umayyad Caliphate 

Though it developed to be a major administrative and religious centre within the great empire, Damascus was Jerusalem's capital. Under the Umayyads, Jerusalem saw several mosques, palaces, and other expansions. Jerusalem developed as a major Islamic political and cultural centre under the Umayyad Caliphate (661–750 AD). Completed in 691 AD, the Dome of the Rock is among the most important continuing undertakings of this age. Said to be among the holiest locations in Islam, this amazing architectural masterpiece still survives today. 

Abbasid Caliphate 

The Abbasids came to govern once the Umayyad Empire fell in the early 9th century. Jerusalem's religious and cultural life carried on even when the Abbasids shifted their capital from Damascus to Baghdad. The Abbasid Caliphate developed trade and industry, therefore enriching towns, including Jerusalem. Intellectual interests returned also at this period, particularly in mathematics, philosophy, and physics. Scholars from all throughout the Islamic world travelled to Baghdad and other large towns, including Jerusalem, to exchange ideas and boost knowledge. 

Fatimid Caliphate

Over most of North Africa and the Levant, the Shia Islamic Caliphate—also known at intervals as the Fatimid Caliphate—ruled. Declared the legitimate heir of Prophet Muhammad's daughter Fatimah and her spouse Ali ibn Abi Talib, Imam Abdullah al-Mahdi Billah, with claimed descent from Fatimah, the moniker "Fatimid" stems from her founding the kingdom. Declared Cairo as their capital, the Fatimids built among the world's oldest still-existing colleges the Al-Azhar Mosque. Jerusalem was particularly significant during their rule since Muslims and Christians consider it a holy city. 

The period of the Crusaders 

The Fatimid kingdom suffered greatly during the Crusades as European fighters invaded the Middle East in an attempt to capture Jerusalem. Initiated in 1096, the First Crusade gathered Christian armies to capture Jerusalem. This marked the end of Fatimid power in the city and started off a series of conflicts between Christian and Muslim troops fighting for possession of the sacred site. Including the well-known Siege of Jerusalem in 1187 under Saladin, one of the most prominent people in Islamic history, this era saw additional major wars involving the Fatimids and Crusaders.

Ayyubid and Mamluk times 

After the Crusader age, Jerusalem was under Ayyubid administration for roughly a century; the Mamluks arrived in 1250. Jerusalem remained for Muslims and Christians a centre of religious and cultural value during this time. As certain well-known Islamic architectural masterpieces—like the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock—were built, Jerusalem developed astonishingly during the Mamluk era. 

Syria Ottoman 

Jerusalem came under the Ottoman Empire in 1516. Trade and religion across Ottoman rule depended on Jerusalem. Jews were driven from Jerusalem centuries ago, but were able to return and rebuild their community during this period. 

Procedure of decentralisation 

Once the Ottoman Empire started to fall apart in the 19th century, decentralisation was encouraged. Jerusalem, among other provinces and territories, acquired power. Jerusalem evolved and modernised under this new configuration as well. With the establishment of colleges and universities, the city became a centre of education. Roads and public transport, among other infrastructure, underwent changes as well. 

Imperial attempts at centralisation 

Jerusalem developed and prospered, but it was not impervious to the political upheavals and changes all around. Having governed Jerusalem from the 1500s, the Ottomans were under pressure from Britain, France, Russia, among other European countries.

Rule of Acre and autonomy of Nablus 

One clear deviation from Jerusalem's centralising policies was the city of Acre, assigned a special status known as the "Rule of Acre." As long as particular taxes were paid to the Ottoman Empire, the city was somewhat free and under self-governance. 

Zaydani period 

Most prominently in the city of Nablus, the Zaydani period is the rule of the Zaydani dynasty in Palestine. Many Zaydani family members were governors or sheikhs of Nablus between 1657 and 1742. 

Jazzari period 

Arriving in Nablus after the Zaydani era was the Jazzari family. The Ottoman government over Palestine persisted from 1742 until 1834. The well-known qualities of the Jazzari rulers were their strong military skills and close trade ties. 

Aqil Agha period 

Arriving in Nablus in 1834, Aqil Agha was a young leader. Being the first autonomous governor of Nablus in more than 200 years, he could show his authority and autonomy free from Ottoman rule. 

Turkish rule 

Especially with the arrival of the Ottoman Turks, European impact in Palestine developed in the late 1800s. Starting their modernising initiatives and taking control over most of Palestine, the Ottomans 

Egyptian period 

King of Egypt Muhammad Ali occupied Palestine in 1832 and governed until 1840, when his grandson was removed. During this period, the Egyptians modernised agriculture and established a postal system.

Restoration of Ottoman control 

Once more, after the Egyptian era, Palestine was under Ottoman rule. Late in the 19th century, Palestinian Arabs began to oppose Turkish control and promote political autonomy. 

Great War and interregnum 

Palestine came under British rule when the Ottoman Empire disintegrated during World War I. Considered the First Aliyah (1882–1903), Jewish immigration to Palestine peaked around this period. Regarding their rights to Palestine, the British government also gave Arabs and Jews assurances.

British Mandate for Palestine 

The League of Nations gave the United Kingdom orders to attack Palestine within the year 1920. Apart from ensuring the rights of non-Jewish persons living in the area, the mandate aimed at a national habitation for the Jewish people. Policies the British government approved encouraged Zionist migration and made it difficult for Arab people to acquire land. Rising conflicts between Arabs and Jews finally led to several violent riots. The British recommended independent Jewish and Arab governments for Palestine in 1937. On both sides, though, this idea was rejected. 

Governance 

Moreover, Palestine's lack of a clear governing body fueled the conflict. Before World War I, Palestine had an administrative organisation under Ottoman administration that included Arab and Jewish representatives. But along with the Ottoman Empire, this framework fell apart. They sought to create a government body, the Palestinian Legislative Council, under British control. But this council just reflected a small portion of Palestinians and lacked any authority. The United Nations took over Palestine during World War II and suggested another split in 1947. Both sides likewise turned away from this strategy, which also resulted in greater bloodshed. 

Demographics and Jewish immigration 

The population of Palestine has changed dramatically during its history. Arab Muslims and Christians essentially resided in this region for millennia; there was a small Jewish minority. Nevertheless, late in the 19th century, a movement known as Zionism emerged among European Jews aiming for a nation-state in ancient Israel. Driven mostly by persecution and discrimination against Jews in Europe, this produced a flood of Jewish immigration into Palestine. Policies promoting Jewish immigration into Palestine under British control greatly raised Jewish migration. 

1936–1939 Revolt 

Rising Jewish immigration and settlement in Palestine brought off a sequence of violent riots sometimes known as the 1936–1939 Arab Revolt, further aggravating relations with the Arab population. Originally headed by Palestinian Arabs, the uprising attracted backing from surrounding Arab nations and ultimately caused massive deaths on both sides. Concerned about losing control over their territory to Jewish immigrants, Palestinians' main reason for starting the revolt was that Many Palestinians also disapproved of British policy supporting Jewish migration over Arab interests. 

World War II 

The start of World War II had a significant influence on the circumstances since the conflict between Arabs and Jews in Palestine kept growing. The dispute drove Britain to focus its resources and attention elsewhere, therefore depriving Palestine of the ability to sufficiently control the rising violence. 

UN partition and the 1948 Palestine War 

The UN put forward a plan for the partition of Palestine in 1947, wherein two Jewish and Arab governments would arise. Though both sides shifted away from this strategy, violence kept growing. Beginning the Palestine War on May 14, 1948, Israel declared their freedom.

Palestinian governorship in Egyptian-controlled Gaza 

Jordan picked the West Bank after Egypt gained the Gaza Strip following the 1948 war. Many Palestinians who couldn't return to their homes in Israel settled in these nations. Seeking to establish a Palestinian state free from Israel and Jordan, Egypt's All-Palestine Government in Gaza in 1959 set out, but this government was flimsy when Egypt ousted it in 1960. 

Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories 

This work insists on the Israeli-Palestinian strife. Israel claimed East Jerusalem, Gaza, and the West Bank following the 1967 Six-Day War. The West Bank and Gaza have seen both terrorist acts and conflicts between Israeli and Palestinian forces. Aiming to further Palestinian rights, a public movement against Israeli rule and the First Intifada in 1987 resulted in the founding of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) in 1964. Jerusalem's or Israeli colonies in the context of the West Bank are not handled by this agreement. Violence persisted so fiercely, and the Second Intifada began in 2000. Claiming thousands of casualties on both sides, the Second Intifada ran for five years. Apart from Israeli actions, Palestinian terrorist organisations, including Hamas and Islamic Jihad, carried out suicide bombs. Israel responded militarily, purposefully killing Palestinian leaders among other things.

Under Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's unilateral disengagement approach, Israel withdrew its immigrants from the Gaza Strip and its army. Still under Israeli control, Gaza was subject to a blockade drastically restricting the flow of people and goods in and out of the area. Apart from political turbulence and continuous violence, the embargo has led to continuous confrontation between Israel and Gaza.  This heightened hostilities even more since Israel denied Hamas's validity as a reigning power.

Observer status of the State of Palestine 

Reacting to this continuous battle and the Palestinian fight for freedom, the State of Palestine has sought respect internationally. Palestine was given non-member observer status at the United Nations General Assembly in 2012, therefore enabling it to influence some UN institutions and participate in UN body debates.  Considered as the first step towards complete sovereign state recognition is this stance. 

Palestine from 2023 to 2025 

Recent difficulties Palestine has had attaining complete recognition as a sovereign state have included:  Palestine's condition is most likely going to remain complex and erratic between 2023 and 2025. One of the main problems confronting Palestine is a continuous confrontation with Israel. Notwithstanding the best attempts at peace-building and discussions, the two parties still have very high levels of conflict. Particularly hurting Palestinians, this has led to ongoing bloodshed and breaches of human rights. Palestine's devastated economy presents one such obstacle. Israel's occupation has seriously hampered Palestine's economic growth and development, leading to great poverty and huge unemployment. Just aggravating these problems, the COVID-19 epidemic has thrown Palestinians' lives and economy off balance. Constant violence and socioeconomic difficulties have also greatly influenced Palestinian education. Lack of resources and ongoing disturbance of their institutions have limited pupils' access to a decent education. Moreover, Israeli policies have limited the flow of academics and students, making it challenging for them to find educational possibilities outside of Palestine.