The Twelve Tribes of Israel are the descendants of the twelve sons of Jacob, who is also known as Israel. Each tribe represents one of Jacob's sons, and they played a significant role in the history of the ancient Israelites. The tribes include Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, and Benjamin. These tribes settled in different regions of the Promised Land after the Exodus from Egypt. The tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh are often considered part of Joseph, leading to the common reference of the tribes as the "Twelve Tribes." Each tribe had its own territory and played a unique role in the cultural and religious life of the ancient Israelites.