During which time period did the Babylonian Captivity occur?

The Babylonian Captivity refers to the period when a significant portion of the Jewish population was exiled to Babylon following the conquest of Jerusalem. This event began with the destruction of Jerusalem and the First Temple in 586 BC by the Babylonians, marking the start of the exile. The period concluded in 516 BC, when the Jewish people returned to Jerusalem and began rebuilding the Temple.

Choosing the first time frame reflects the accurate historical context of these events. While other time periods mentioned may include segments of the exile, only this specific range encompasses the entirety of the captivity from its beginning in 586 BC through to the significant return and restoration efforts in 516 BC. This provides a clear understanding of the timeline and its implications for Jewish history during that era.