The ancient Israelites were a group of people who lived in the region known as Canaan, which is part of modern-day Israel and Palestine. They are known for their unique culture, language, and religious beliefs, which centered around the worship of one God, Yahweh. The Israelites are often associated with the stories found in the Hebrew Bible, particularly the accounts of their ancestors like Abraham, Moses, and their eventual settlement in the Promised Land. The history of the ancient Israelites includes periods of unity and division, such as the establishment of the United Monarchy under kings like Saul, David, and Solomon. After Solomon's reign, the kingdom split into two: Israel in the north and Judah in the south. The ancient Israelites faced various challenges, including invasions and exiles, which shaped their identity and religious practices over time.