Biblical Archaeology of Ancient Israel and Judah

Course Description

Embark on an exciting journey through time with our introductory course on biblical archaeology of ancient Israel and Judah during the Iron Age (ca. 1200-586 BCE). This comprehensive course offers a unique blend of cutting-edge, interdisciplinary archaeological research and historical exploration, providing students with a deep understanding of this fascinating era and its key players.

What Students Will Learn

• The fundamentals of archaeology and biblical archaeology
• Recent archaeological discoveries and their significance
• The history and archaeology of ancient Israel and Judah
• The complex relationship between archaeology, history, and the Bible
• How to analyze and interpret archaeological findings
• The daily life and material culture of ancient Israel and Judah
• The role of neighboring cultures in the Iron Age II
• Critical thinking skills in evaluating historical and archaeological evidence

Prerequisites

No prior knowledge or skills are required for this introductory course. It is designed for beginners and those with a general interest in archaeology, history, and biblical studies.

Course Coverage

• Introduction to archaeology and biblical archaeology
• The early Iron Age and the emergence of the Israelites
• The debate surrounding the "United Monarchy" of David and Solomon
• The Northern Kingdom of Israel (ca. 930-722 BCE)
• The Southern Kingdom of Judah (ca. 930-586 BCE)
• Daily life, social structure, and material culture in ancient Israel and Judah
• Neighboring cultures and their influences
• The aftermath of Iron Age Israel and Judah

Who This Course Is For

• History enthusiasts
• Biblical studies students
• Archaeology hobbyists
• Religious scholars
• Anyone interested in ancient Near Eastern cultures
• Students considering a career in archaeology or related fields

Real-World Applications

• Enhanced critical thinking and analytical skills for evaluating historical claims
• Improved understanding of ancient cultures and their relevance to modern society
• Better interpretation of archaeological findings and their significance
• Increased appreciation for the complexity of historical research
• Valuable background knowledge for careers in archaeology, history, or religious studies
• Improved ability to engage in informed discussions about ancient Near Eastern history and culture

Syllabus

• Week 1: Introduction
• Week 2: The early Iron Age
• Week 3: The First Kingdoms? A "United Monarchy" of David and Solomon?
• Week 4: The Northern Kingdom of Israel: ca. 930-722 BCE
• Week 5: The Southern Kingdom of Judah: ca. 930-586 BCE
• Week 6: Daily Life and Material Culture of Ancient Judah and Israel
• Week 7: Neighboring Cultures in the Iron Age II
• Week 8: Aftermath of Iron Age Israel and Judah and Course Epilogue