First Temple Destroyed

The First Temple, built by King Solomon, was destroyed by the Babylonians in −586 after the fall of Jerusalem. This was one of the greatest tragedies in Jewish history, because the Temple was the center of worship, sacrifice, national identity, and God’s presence among Israel. The destruction included the burning of the Temple, the breaking of Jerusalem’s walls, and the exile of much of Judah’s population to Babylon. From a Jewish perspective, this event became a symbol of national judgment, mourning, and hope for future restoration. It is remembered especially on Tisha B’Av, along with later tragedies in Jewish history.