Guest: Steve Ortiz, Director of the Lanier Center for Archaeology at Lipscomb University. They discuss the "Solomonic" gates, the historicity of David and Solomon, and the use and dating of archaeological materials.
The dating of Iron Age gates, particularly the so-called Solomonian Gates, has been a subject of debate in biblical archaeology.
Iron Age gates, including the Solomonian Gates, served as multifunctional structures within ancient societies, with diverse purposes beyond defense.
The dating and interpretation of Iron Age gates have led to a reevaluation of the concept of statehood in the ancient Near East, challenging traditional views of early Israelite kingdoms.
Deep dives
Dating Iron Age Gates: The Debate and Complexity
The dating of Iron Age gates, particularly the so-called Solomonian Gates, has been a subject of debate in biblical archaeology. The gates, found at various sites such as Megiddo, Gezer, and Hatzor, were once attributed to the 10th century and considered evidence of Solomon's kingdom. However, the low chronology proposed by scholars like Finkelstein challenges this dating. The debate is centered on pottery analysis, which reveals similarities between 9th and 10th century ceramics. The role of radiocarbon dating, such as C14 analysis, has also been crucial in refining the chronology. C14 dates from Gazer, for example, helped establish a tighter chronological window for destruction layers. Overall, the dating of Iron Age gates is complex, with multiple factors such as regional influences and social functions affecting their construction and use.
Multifunctionality and Social Importance of Iron Age Gates
Iron Age gates, including the Solomonian Gates, served as multifunctional structures within ancient societies. While initially thought to be mainly defensive, they also functioned as entrances to the city, marketplaces, and even places for legal disputes and decision-making. The biblical text highlights the gate's significance as a hub of social and political activities. However, archaeological discoveries have challenged previous assumptions about gate functions. The presence of chambers, previously considered guard posts or chariot storage, has been reinterpreted. The gates' architectural features and associated buildings suggest a more diverse range of functions, including administrative and commercial activities. The gate's design and characteristics were not strictly chronological but varied based on the needs and preferences of different polities and rulers.
The Shifting Understanding of State Formation in the Iron Age
The dating and interpretation of Iron Age gates, particularly in relation to the biblical accounts of state formation, have led to a reevaluation of the concept of statehood in the ancient Near East. Previous interpretations linked the construction of grand structures like the gates to the early Israelite kingdom under Saul, David, and Solomon. However, new archaeological data, including refined pottery chronology and site stratigraphy, have challenged this traditional view. It has become clear that the political landscape was more fluid and complex, with shifting allegiances and tribal affiliations. The biblical concept of state formation needs to be reconsidered, with an understanding that the development of political entities was not a linear process. Rather, it involved various local and regional factors that influenced political boundaries, societal structures, and architectural features.
The Role of Radiocarbon Dating in Chronology Refinement
Radiocarbon dating, particularly C14 analysis, has played a crucial role in refining the chronology of Iron Age gates and related archaeological contexts. By obtaining C14 dates from specific layers and strata, archaeologists can establish a more precise chronological framework. In the case of Gazer, for example, C14 dates have contributed to a better understanding of the sequence of destruction layers and subsequent occupations. The combination of pottery analysis and radiocarbon dating has allowed for a more accurate dating of these archaeological contexts, shedding light on the socio-political dynamics of the Iron Age. Furthermore, emerging methods such as archaeomagnetism show promise in providing additional chronological data and further refining our understanding of ancient chronology.
The Complexities of Dating Iron Age Gates
The dating of Iron Age gates, such as the Solomonian Gates, involves a complex interplay of archaeological evidence, pottery analysis, radiocarbon dating, and historical interpretations. While there is ongoing debate about the precise dating of these gates, it is clear that a simplistic view of state formation and chronological development is no longer tenable. The multifunctionality of gates, social and political factors, and the shifting boundaries of political entities all contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the Iron Age period. Archaeologists continue to refine their methods and evaluate new evidence to construct a more accurate picture of the past.
Episode: Kyle and Mark talk with Prof. Steve Ortiz about the Archaeology of the United Monarchy. In particular, they focus on the so-called "Solomonic" gates while also touching on the historicity of David and Solomon and issues in the use and dating of archaeological materials.
Guest: Dr. Steven Ortiz is the Director of the Lanier Center for Archaeology at Lipscomb University where he is also a professor of archaeology and biblical studies. He was the director of the former Tandy Institute for Archaeology at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is the principal investigator and co-director, along with Sam Wolff, of the Tel Gezer Excavation Project and is one of the directors of the Ilibalyk Project, Kazakhstan, and is the co-director at Tel Burna (Biblical Libnah). He has over 30 years of archaeological experience in Israel as he has been a senior staff member at a variety of major sites. Ortiz’s research and publications focus on the archaeology of David and Solomon, Iron Age I and II transition, and the border relations between Judah and Philistia. He has served or currently holds leadership positions in several scholarly and academic associations. He currently serves on the board of the Albright Institute of Archaeological Research, Jerusalem. He has served ASOR since 2001 as a board member and on various committees. (Adapted from the Lipscomb University website)
Photo Attribution: CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=247678.
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