The Israelite kings were rulers of the ancient kingdom of Israel, which emerged around 1000 BCE. The most notable kings include Saul, the first king, who united the tribes; David, who established Jerusalem as the capital; and Solomon, known for his wisdom and the construction of the First Temple. These kings played significant roles in shaping the political and religious landscape of the Israelites. The period of the Israelite kings is often marked by both achievements and challenges, including military conflicts and internal strife. After Solomon's reign, the kingdom split into two: Israel in the north and Judah in the south. This division led to different dynasties and further complexities in the history of the Israelite people.