4.2 Rise of the Israelite and Judahite kingdoms

The Iron Age saw the rise of Israelite and Judahite kingdoms from tribal confederacies. This period marked a shift from loose alliances to centralized states, with the United Monarchy under Saul, David, and Solomon around 1000 BCE.

Key developments included the establishment of Jerusalem as the capital and the construction of the First Temple. Archaeological evidence, like the Tel Dan Stele, supports the existence of the Davidic dynasty and sheds light on the political landscape of the time.

Iron Age Chronology and Periods

Tribal Confederacies and State Formation

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• Iron Age I (1200-1000 BCE) characterized by the collapse of Late Bronze Age empires and the emergence of tribal confederacies in the Levant
• Tribal confederacies were loose alliances of tribes or clans united for common defense or resource sharing (Israelites, Philistines)
• Iron Age II (1000-586 BCE) marked by the rise of centralized states and monarchies in the region
• State formation involved the consolidation of power under a central authority, often a king or dynasty
• Monarchic period began with the establishment of the United Monarchy under Saul, David, and Solomon around 1000 BCE

United Monarchy and Key Rulers

The Reigns of David and Solomon

• United Monarchy refers to the period when the kingdoms of Israel and Judah were united under a single ruler
• David, the second king of the United Monarchy, established Jerusalem as the capital and expanded the kingdom through military conquests
• Solomon, David's son and successor, is known for his wisdom, wealth, and the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem
• The House of David refers to the dynastic line descended from King David, which ruled Judah until the Babylonian exile in 586 BCE
• Tel Dan Stele, discovered in 1993, contains the earliest extra-biblical reference to the "House of David," providing evidence for the historicity of David's dynasty

Major Cities and Architecture

Samaria and Jerusalem as Royal Centers

• Samaria, the capital of the northern Kingdom of Israel, was built by Omri in the 9th century BCE and became a major administrative and commercial center
• Jerusalem, the capital of the southern Kingdom of Judah, was expanded and fortified by David and Solomon, with the construction of the palace complex and the First Temple
• Fortified cities, such as Hazor, Megiddo, and Gezer, were built or strengthened during the Iron Age to defend against external threats and control trade routes
• The four-room house, a distinctive architectural style featuring a central courtyard surrounded by four rooms, became prevalent in Israelite settlements during the Iron Age

Distinctive Israelite Architecture

• The four-room house, a distinctive architectural style featuring a central courtyard surrounded by four rooms, became prevalent in Israelite settlements during the Iron Age
• This house type is characterized by its rectangular plan, with a main room flanked by smaller rooms on three sides and a courtyard at the back
• The four-room house is considered a hallmark of Israelite domestic architecture and has been found at numerous sites throughout Israel and Judah (Beersheba, Tell Beit Mirsim)

External Influences

Philistine Culture and Interactions

• Philistine influence on Israelite culture was significant, particularly in the coastal plain and Shephelah regions
• Philistines, a group of Sea Peoples who settled in the southern Levant during the Late Bronze Age collapse, established a distinct material culture characterized by unique pottery styles (Bichrome ware) and architectural elements (hearths, "Philistine" pillars)
• Interactions between Israelites and Philistines included trade, cultural exchange, and military conflicts, as recorded in the biblical narratives (Samson and Delilah, David and Goliath)
• Philistine cities, such as Ashkelon, Ashdod, and Gath, were major centers of commerce and political power during the Iron Age