Ahab of Israel

AncientEmperorIsrael-874 — -853

Wicked king married to Jezebel, enemy of the prophet Elijah.

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Quick Facts

Born

874 BCE

Died

853 BCE

Country

Israel

Era

Ancient

Occupation

Emperor

Score Overview

Military (10%)55

Political (20%)26

Influence (20%)49

Legacy (20%)43

Leadership (15%)42

Strategy (15%)44

Total Score43.0

Ahab of Israel — Complete Timeline

874 BC

Marriage to JezebelPolitical Action◆ Major

Ahab married Jezebel, daughter of Ethbaal, king of Sidon. This alliance with Phoenicia brought Baal worship into Israel, as Jezebel promoted the cult of Baal-Melqart, leading to conflict with the prophet Elijah and the worship of Yahweh.

MarriageBaal WorshipJezebel

Impact: nationaldestructive

870 BC

Construction of the Temple of Baal in SamariaCultural◆ Major

Ahab built a temple and altar for Baal in Samaria, the capital of Israel. He also erected an Asherah pole, institutionalizing the worship of Baal and Asherah in the royal court, which the biblical narrative condemns as evil.

Baal WorshipSamariaIdolatry

Impact: nationaldestructive

860 BC

Conflict with Elijah on Mount CarmelCultural◆ Major

The prophet Elijah challenged 450 prophets of Baal to a contest on Mount Carmel. After Baal failed to ignite a sacrifice, Yahweh consumed Elijah's offering with fire. Elijah then slaughtered the Baal prophets, a major victory for Yahwism.

ElijahBaalProphet

Impact: national

853 BC

Battle of QarqarWar◆ Major

Ahab joined a coalition of twelve kings, including Ben-Hadad of Damascus, to fight the Assyrian king Shalmaneser III at Qarqar. The battle was indecisive, but it temporarily halted Assyrian expansion into the Levant, as recorded in Assyrian inscriptions.

AssyriaCoalitionBattle

Impact: regional