The ancient Hebrews established a civilization in Mesopotamia, in the area of present-day Israel, which stretched from Beersheba to the Negev of Israel, bordering Egypt. They also settled in the eastern side of the Jordan River, with 2 1/2 tribes living in the east (Reuben, Gad, and 1/2 a tribe of Manasseh). The other 9 1/2 settled in the western half, inside the promise land.
