The First Temple, also known as Solomon's Temple, was a sacred structure built in ancient Jerusalem. Constructed during the reign of King Solomon, it served as the central place of worship for the Israelites and housed the Ark of the Covenant. The temple was completed around 957 BCE and was a significant symbol of the Jewish faith. The First Temple stood for nearly 400 years before it was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BCE. Its destruction marked a pivotal moment in Jewish history, leading to the Babylonian Exile. The site later became the location for the Second Temple, which was built after the return from exile.