The Twelve Tribes of Israel Biblical Period Image The Twelve Tribes of Israel. Credits Map by Bill Nelson. Published in: The Posen Library of Jewish Culture and Civilization, vol. 1. Engage with this Source Related Guide Ancient Israel: Jewish Roots in the Biblical Period Jewish culture and civilization reach back to ancient Israel, represented by texts from the Hebrew Bible and by archaeological artifacts. Related Guide Ancient Israelite Culture: What Can We Know? The Hebrew Bible provides a limited view of life in ancient Israel, so scholars turn to related material for additional evidence. Related Guide The Geography of the Hebrew Bible: Where Did Ancient Israelites Live? The land of Israel is small but includes a surprisingly diverse geographical setting, positioned among numerous smaller and larger neighbors. Details Public AccessImage