 Furthermore, in the Blessing of Jacob, and elsewhere ascribed by textual scholars to a similar or earlier time period, (e.g., ) Ephraim and Manasseh are treated as a single tribe, with "Joseph" appearing in their place.From this it is regarded that originally Ephraim and Manasseh were considered one tribe - that of "Joseph".As part of the Kingdom of Israel, the territory of Manasseh was conquered by the Assyrians, and the tribe exiled; the manner of their exile lead to their further history being lost.