The Kingdom of Judah was an ancient kingdom located in the southern part of the region known as Israel. It emerged after the division of the united monarchy around 931 BCE, following the reign of King Solomon. The capital city was Jerusalem, which housed the First Temple, a significant religious site for the Jewish people. Judah was known for its strong lineage of kings, including notable figures like King David and King Hezekiah. The kingdom lasted until 586 BCE when it fell to the Babylonian Empire, leading to the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of many inhabitants, an event known as the Babylonian Captivity.