# Baasha

> Third King of Israel (1 Kings 16)

**Wikidata**: [Q313224](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q313224)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baasha_of_Israel)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/baasha

## Summary
Baasha was the third king of the Kingdom of Israel, ruling from approximately 960 to 920 BCE. He is primarily known as a sovereign of the Israelite kingdom, though specific details of his reign are not extensively documented in the biblical text.

## Biography
- Born: Unknown
- Nationality: Israelite
- Education: Unknown
- Known for: Reigning as the third king of the Kingdom of Israel
- Employer(s): Kingdom of Israel
- Field(s): Leadership of the Israelite kingdom

## Contributions
Baasha is mentioned in the biblical book of 1 Kings 16, where he is described as the son of Ahijah and the grandson of Jeroboam. His reign is noted for its brevity and lack of significant historical detail, as the text primarily focuses on his downfall and the rise of his successor, Elah.

## FAQs
**What is Baasha known for?**
Baasha is known as the third king of the Kingdom of Israel, ruling during a period of instability and conflict in the region.

**Where did Baasha rule?**
Baasha ruled over the Kingdom of Israel, which existed from approximately 930 to 720 BCE.

**Was Baasha a significant historical figure?**
Baasha is mentioned in the biblical text but lacks extensive historical detail, making his significance limited to his role as a ruler of the Israelite kingdom.

## Why They Matter
Baasha's reign is of minor historical importance, as he is primarily remembered in the context of the broader narrative of the Kingdom of Israel's decline. His brief rule and eventual overthrow by Elah serve as a minor event in the larger story of the Israelite kingdoms' struggles against Assyrian and other foreign powers.

## Notable For
- Third king of the Kingdom of Israel
- Son of Ahijah and grandson of Jeroboam
- Reign marked by instability and eventual downfall

## Body
### Early Life
Baasha's early life is not detailed in the biblical text, but he is described as the son of Ahijah and the grandson of Jeroboam, both of whom were prominent figures in the early history of the Kingdom of Israel.

### Reign
Baasha's reign is briefly mentioned in 1 Kings 16, where he is depicted as a ruler of limited historical significance. The text notes his downfall and the rise of Elah, indicating a period of political turmoil in the kingdom.

### Legacy
Baasha's legacy is overshadowed by the broader narrative of the Kingdom of Israel's decline. His brief rule and eventual overthrow serve as a minor event in the larger story of the Israelite kingdoms' struggles against Assyrian and other foreign powers.

## References

1. Second Book of Kings
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013