The historical region associated with the ancient Kingdom of Judah is primarily located within what is known today by several names: Judea, the West Bank, or parts of Israel.
The Ancient Kingdom of Judah and its Modern Context
The Kingdom of Judah was an Iron Age kingdom of the Southern Levant, and its territory largely corresponds to the historical region of Judea. This region is a landlocked, mountainous area that has been central to Jewish history and identity for millennia.
Modern Designations and Perspectives
Today, the geographical area that historically comprised Judah and Judea is subject to differing terminologies due to ongoing political and religious considerations.
- Judea: Jewish Israelis often continue to refer to this land by its historical name, Judea. This reflects a deep historical and religious connection to the ancient land.
- The West Bank: Arabs and Palestinians predominantly refer to this same land as the West Bank. This term emerged after the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, referring to the territory west of the Jordan River.
- Israel: For some Jewish Israelis, the land is simply considered part of Israel, integrating the historical region into the modern state.
There are significant political and religious disputes surrounding which name to use for this region, underscoring the complex identity and claims associated with the land.
| Term Used | Primarily Used By | Context/Connotation |
|---|---|---|
| Judea | Jewish Israelis | Emphasizes historical and religious ties to the ancient land. |
| The West Bank | Arabs and Palestinians | Geographic and political designation referring to the territory west of the Jordan River. |
| Israel | Some Jewish Israelis | Integrates the area into the modern State of Israel's territory. |
Geographical Context
Geographically, this region is situated in the central mountainous spine of the modern State of Israel and the Palestinian territories, encompassing significant historical cities such as Jerusalem (partially), Bethlehem, and Hebron. Its terrain is characterized by hills and valleys, extending from just south of Jerusalem down towards the Negev desert.
