6th Century BC (Post-Exilic Period)
The Israelites were returning from Babylonian exile, attempting to rebuild their temple and re-establish their religious practices in Jerusalem.
The Persian Empire, under King Cyrus and later King Artaxerxes, had allowed the exiles to return and rebuild, but local opposition from surrounding peoples created political tension.
Jerusalem, the capital of Judah, which had been destroyed by the Babylonians and was in the process of being rebuilt.
The returning exiles faced opposition from the local inhabitants, including Samaritans, who offered to help but were rejected due to religious and cultural differences.
Zerubbabel
Leader of the first group of returning exiles and governor of Judah.
Artaxerxes
King of Persia who halted the rebuilding of the temple.