Palestine's First Inhabitants

Study Notes

Early Inhabitants of Palestine

The earliest known inhabitants of Palestine are the Natufians, who lived in the 14th century BC.
They left behind artifacts, but their origins and identity remain unknown.
The city of Ariha, considered the oldest city in the world, was established in the 8th century BC.

Canaanites and Other Arab Tribes

The first confirmed settlers of Palestine were the Canaanites, Amorites, and other Arab tribes, who migrated from the Arabian Peninsula.
These tribes divided into different groups, with the Canaanites settling in the plains, the Jebusites in the Jerusalem area, and the Phoenicians and Amorites in the mountains.
The region was known as the "Land of Canaan" in historical records and among archaeologists.

Origin of the Name "Palestine"

The name "Palestine" has deep historical roots, derived from the word "Philistim," which referred to the original Palestinian people.
This group was mentioned in ancient Egyptian texts and the Old Testament, where they were known as the Philistines or Pelisti.
The name "Palestine" was used to refer to the region as a whole, encompassing the historical lands of the Palestinian people.

First Users of the Name "Palestine"

The name "Palestine" was first used by a group of people who came from the Mediterranean, including the island of Crete, after they were affected by a famine.
They attacked the coasts of Syria and Egypt, but were defeated by Ramses III in the famous Battle of Lachish.
They were later allowed to settle in southern Palestine, where they were known as the Philistines, and their land was called "Philistia."

Rulers of Palestine Before the Occupation

Before the Israeli occupation, Palestine was under British administration, pursuant to the British Mandate for Palestine, which began after World War I and lasted until 1948.
Prior to the British Mandate, Palestine was part of the Ottoman Empire for many centuries.

History of Jews in Palestine

The prophet Abraham lived in Palestine.
Abraham migrated from Babylon to the Levant and then to Egypt, eventually settling in Hebron, Palestine, with his wife Sarah.
Abraham had a son, Ishmael, with his wife Hagar, and later had a son, Isaac, with Sarah.
The prophet Jacob, who was also known as Israel, was a descendant of Abraham and Isaac.
The story of Joseph, son of Jacob, shows that the Israelites migrated to Palestine, but did not stay for long and eventually left for Egypt.
Historians, both Arab and Western, agree on this account.

Moses and the Israelites' Migration to Palestine

The Israelites lived comfortably in Egypt during the time of Joseph, but later became slaves and were mistreated.
Moses was sent by God to rescue the Israelites from Egypt and lead them back to Palestine.
During their journey, they witnessed nine great miracles, and eventually crossed the Red Sea, where Pharaoh's army was drowned.
In the Sinai Desert, they encountered a group of people who worshiped idols, and the Israelites asked Moses to create idols for them, which led to a crisis in their faith.

Description

Learn about the earliest inhabitants of Palestine, including the Natufians and Canaanites, and their impact on the region's history. Discover the timeline of settlement and the significance of ancient cities like Jericho.