feb 25, 586 BC - Neo-Babylonians (Chaldeans) under Nebuchadnezzar conquer Israel and Judah.
Description:
Solomon’s Temple was destroyed in the Babylonian victory. Babylonian Captivity = Babylonians force thousands from their homeland to Babylon. This is referred to as an exile → (forced removal from one’s homeland). Others refer to this as the first Jewish Diaspora → (the spread of people from their original homeland)While in captivity, followers were encouraged to keep their religion alive even though in a foreign land. The focus changed from worshiping at the Great Temple to local places of worship called synagogues.
Added to timeline:
Date:
feb 25, 586 BC
Now
~ 2613 years ago