Final answer:
The "chosen people" according to the Old Testament are the Hebrews. They have a profound historical significance due to their monotheistic beliefs and cultural legacy, with records dating back to 1200 BCE in Canaan and the influential story of Moses.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the Old Testament, the "chosen people" are the Hebrews. The Hebrews, also known as the Jews, have a rich history detailed in the Tanakh or Hebrew Bible, which has significantly influenced the development of Christianity and Islam. This Semitic-speaking people began establishing themselves in Canaan around 1200 BCE as evidenced by archaeological finds and Egyptian records, such as the Merneptah Inscription dating back to 1207 BCE.
The Hebrews' monotheistic beliefs were codified by the prophet Moses, who, according to the biblical narrative, led them out of slavery in Egypt. This story of Moses and the Exodus remains central to Jewish religion and cultural identity. Furthermore, the Hebrews created their own kingdom in Israel around 1000 BCE despite the presence and eventual encounter with various empires. It is their religious contributions in the form of Judaism, the Ten Commandments, and other teachings that have had a lasting impact on world history, paving the way for Christianity and Islam.