Hezekiah's Jerusalem

A "Golden Age"is created when great leaders, such as David and Solomon, die, build great places, create a "United Kingdom", and build a great temple. After the time of David and Solomon and under Solomon's son, Jerusalem's Golden Age ended and the 10 tribes in the North (which became Israel) split for the 2 tribes in the south (which became known as Judah). The Hebrew Bible is written from a southern perspective and can therefore be bias but the North seemed to be jealous of Jerusalem and its temple and so they built alternate worship centers (a similar movement also occurred in the South).

There is evidence of Egyptian presences and invasions in Israel but the growing source of power was undoubtedly the Assyrian Empire. Kings of Israel became vassals to Assyrian Empires and Assyria was largely in control of the entire region. The Assyrians, specifically under Shalmanser III were known to be particularly violent and visual in their punishments and were known to display their power in graphic manners. Under this terror and oppression, Jerusalem began to grow and the population became more urban and industrialized. In addition, Assyria introduced a global economy into the area. Hezekiah, who was seen by some as the "messiah of Jerusalem" began to fortify Jerusalem, build up its water supply and administration, and over all began to prepare to rebel against Assyrian dominance and oppression.