Israel Empire

 The united Kingdom started when 12 families decided to bond together as a united people because of outer threats.  At first they used judges for different terms but then they wanted a long term king so Samuel anointed Saul.  Saul was a very smart king but began to become corrupted and he was no longer liked.  This was when god led Samuel to David who was a little farm boy but soon became known as the King of Israel.  With the technology of the Iron Age he was able to lead a great army in battle and extended his empire defeating the hated Philistines and sending them back to their own empire.  He defeated an uprising from his nephew and then also made great stories in the bible.  Finally he left the Israelites in great shape even though their empire ended soon thereafter.