Accoding to the bible, the ‘Ten Lost Tribes’ of Israel were exiled from Israel by the Neo-Assyrian Empire around 720 BCE. The tribes are lost from the historical record. And the prophet Isaiah promised their return.

What does archeology tell us?

Key Insights

The Assyrian conquest led to the exile of the northern kingdom, sparking the legend of the Ten Lost Tribes.

Historical evidence indicates that not all Israelites were exiled; many remained in the region and integrated into Judah.

Judah’s Influence: The Kingdom of Judah played a significant role in shaping the biblical narrative, emphasizing its own importance in Israel’s history.

Archaeological Evidence: Archaeological findings contradict the idea of a complete exile, indicating that many Israelites remained and thrived locally.

Modern Reinterpretations: Contemporary scholarship, like Dr. Tabalovsky’s work, sheds light on how historical narratives are constructed and reinterpreted in different contexts.

Dr. Andrew Henry is a scholar of late antique Mediterranean religion. Dr Hendry holds a MA and a Ph.D. in Religious Studies from Boston University. He is a Lecturer and Scolar at George Washington University, where he specializes in early Christianity, the New Testament, and the historical context of biblical texts.