Delve into the ancient Kingdom of Israel through the intertwined perspectives of biblical narratives and archaeological discoveries. Explore the reigns of key figures like Saul, David, and Solomon, as well as the historical complexities and mysteries surrounding this biblical kingdom. Uncover the cultural resistance at Beth Shemesh and the archaeological evidence supporting the existence of the Kingdom of Israel post-Solomon's reign. Discover the rise and fall of this enigmatic kingdom amidst invasions and powerful empires, offering a captivating blend of history and archaeology.
Biblical kingdom of Israel's existence questioned due to lack of archaeological evidence.
Archaeological findings like the Mesha Stele provide rare confirmation of biblical characters.
Political complexities and territorial disputes shaped the Kingdom of Israel and Judah.
Deep dives
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Exploring the Kingdom of Israel's Origins
The podcast delves into the biblical account of the Kingdom of Israel, starting with figures like Saul, David, and Solomon. While the Hebrew Bible provides historical narratives about these kings, the lack of archaeological evidence raises questions about the kingdom's existence. The discussion emphasizes the challenges in reconciling biblical stories with archaeological findings to understand the Kingdom of Israel's origins.
Interpreting Archaeological Evidence
The podcast explores archaeological discoveries like the Mesha Stele, linking biblical figures to historical records. The Mesha Stele mentions Omri, King of Israel, showcasing a rare confirmation of biblical characters in non-biblical sources. As excavations reveal insights into ancient settlements like Tell El-Hesi and Beth Shemesh, interpretations highlight cultural shifts and connections within the region.
Transition and Division of the Kingdoms
Following Solomon's reign, the United Kingdom of Israel splits into the northern Kingdom of Israel and the southern Kingdom of Judah. The podcast discusses the reign of rulers like Jeroboam, Omri, and Mesha, shedding light on the political complexities and territorial disputes that shaped the region. The narrative leads to the eventual downfall of both kingdoms under Assyrian and Babylonian dominance.
Legacy and Interpretation of Historical Narratives
Reflecting on the legacy of the Kingdom of Israel and Judah, the podcast highlights the enduring impact of biblical narratives on historical interpretations. From debates over the existence of biblical kings to the visualizing of ancient settlements through archaeology, the discussion underscores the intricate relationship between scripture, historical accounts, and archaeological evidence.
The story of the ancient kingdom of Israel is a central part of the Old Testament. Famous for its kings like Saul, David and Solomon, the kingdom supposedly emerged in the southern Levant in the late 2nd millennium BC. Most of what we know about this kingdom comes from the Hebrew Bible. But what does the archeology say? Are there any remains that might corroborate what the bible tells us?
In today's episode of The Ancients, Tristan continues our Old Testament mini-series and interviews archeologist Felicity Cobbing. Together they delve into both the biblical narrative and the archaeological evidence in an attempt to answer some the questions that shroud the story of this biblical kingdom.
Presented by Tristan Hughes. Edited by Aidan Lonergan. The producer is Joseph Knight, the senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.
The Ancients is a podcast from History Hit.
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