These five provinces or kingdoms are represented upon the map according to their general boundaries during most of the time from the age of Solomon to that of Nebuchadnezzar, when all the East was united under one mighty sceptre. Historically, the epoch requires the consideration of several periods, as follows: 1. =The Period of Division= (B.C. 935-842), during which three kingdoms--Syria, Israel and Judah--strove for supremacy. This extends from the reign of Jeroboam to that of Jehu in the north; and from Rehoboam to Joash in Judah. During the first half-century of this period, wars were constant between Israel and Judah. During the latter half-century the growing power of Syria compelled an alliance between the rival kingdoms, and nearly all the battles were between Israel and Syria. The leading events of this period were: (1.) The accession of Rehoboam, followed by the disruption of the kingdom, and the breaking up of Solomon's empire. (2.) The invasion of Judah by Shishak, king of Egypt, and the loss of all the treasures of David and Solomon (2 Chron. 12), which permanently crippled the kingdom. (3.) The wars of Jeroboam with Judah, culminating in the battle of Zemaraim, near Bethel, a signal defeat for Israel. (2 Chron. 13.) (4.) The invasion of Judah by the Ethiopians under Zerah, and the victory of Asa at Mareshah. (2 Chron. 14.) (5.) The introduction of the worship of Baal into Israel, by Ahab, and with it the appearance of the prophet Elijah. (1 Kings 16-19.) (6.) The wars with Syria, with the victory of Israel at Aphek, and the defeat at Ramoth-gilead. (1 Kings 20-22.) (7.) The invasion of Judah, in the reign of Jehoshaphat, by the allied forces of Ammon, Moab and Edom, and their slaughter at Berachah. (2 Chron. 20.) (8.) The allied war of Israel and Judah with Moab, and the battle of Kir-haraseth, commemorated by the Moabite Stone, recently discovered. (2 Kings 3.) (9.) The revolt of Edom from Judah, in the reign of Jehoram. Jehoram gained a victory at Zair (probably Sela, or Petra), but could not retain supremacy over the Edomites. [Illustration: MOABITE STONE.] [Illustration: THE SYRIAN PERIOD, B.C. 884-840.] 2. =The Syrian Period=, B.C. 842-799, began with revolutions in the same year in Damascus, Samaria, and Jerusalem; by which Hazael mounted the throne of Syria, Jehu of Israel, and Athaliah, the queen-mother, usurped the throne of Judah. Hazael established a powerful kingdom. (2 Kings 8:7-15.) He conquered all of Israel east of the Jordan (2 Kings 10:32, 33), reduced Israel under Jehoahaz to a condition of vassalage (2 Kings 13:1-8), took Gath from Judah, and was only withheld from besieging Jerusalem by the payment of a heavy tribute. (2 Kings 12:17, 18; 2 Chron. 24:23, 24.) We insert an outline map of his kingdom and conquests.