Kingdom of Israel

Kingdom of Israel, ancient Hebrew state that at its greatest extent included modern Israel, and parts of Jordan and southern Syria. It came into existence under King Saul in the 11th century bc, and reached its height under his successors, David and Solomon. After Solomon's death in 922 bc, the country was divided into two parts. The name Israel was retained by the northern kingdom, with its capital at Samaria, near modern Nābulus. It was destroyed by the Assyrians in 722 bc. The southern kingdom, known as Judah, continued to exist until the 6th century bc, when it was conquered by Babylonia.