After Solomon’s death, his successor Rehoboam failed to gain the support of the northern part of Israel, which seceded under the leadership of Jeroboam. He then extended and strengthened the kingdom, taking advantage of Syrian and Assyrian weakness. He made the kingdom prosperous, but the prophet Amos spoke against his oppression and injustice. He was also criticized for encouraging the sanctuaries at Dan and Bethel to rival the Temple at Jerusalem.