Final answer:
After King David, Solomon's reign is celebrated but lacks complete archaeological support. Subsequent Israelite history involves fragmentation and external threats, leading to the division into Israel and Judah and their eventual conflicts with neighboring empires.
Step-by-step explanation:
Post-David Israeli History
After King David's reign, the history of the Israelites enters a complex period. Upon David's death, his kingdom was inherited by his son Solomon, who was recognized for his wisdom and is credited with numerous construction projects, including a large temple in Jerusalem. However, the biblical narrative that glorifies his reign is not fully supported by archaeological evidence; for instance, the actual existence of Solomon's Temple has yet to be confirmed. Post-Solomon, the Israelites were divided and faced numerous threats, notably from the Neo-Assyrian and Neo-Babylonian empires. This epoch saw the fall of the united monarchy and the rise of the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah, with the former being invaded and destroyed by Assyria in the ninth century BCE, as depicted by an artifact referred to as the Tel Dan stele, which confirms a historical 'house of David' but does not pinpoint individual achievements or features of the society.
The history of the Israelites during this time is marked by internal conflicts and external pressures that began to form after the so-called golden age of David and Solomon. These pressures ultimately led to the fragmentation of the united kingdom and the ushering in of a period of distinct cultural and political development for the tribes of Israel.