Biblical Archaeology: The archaeology of ancient Israel and Judah from edX

Join me for an introductory course on biblical archaeology of ancient Israel and Judah during the Iron Age (ca. 1200-586 BCE).

In this course, we will use cutting-edge, inter-disciplinary archaeological research to explore the fascinating field of archaeology, the history of this era, and it's "players"(e.g. Israel, Judah, Philistine, Mesopotamia, Phoenicia, Aram, Moab, Edom, ancient Egypt etc.).

Special focus will be given to complex relationship between archaeology, history and the bible, and how modern research interfaces between these different, and at times conflicting, sources. In particular, how can archaeology be used to understand the biblical text - and vice a versa.

The course will combine short video lectures with extensive illustrative materials, on-site discussions at relevant archaeological locations, display 3D images and discuss relevant archaeological finds.

In addition, it includes interviews with leading researchers in the field, both to discuss specific aspects, finds and sites, as well as to present different sides of debated issues.

What's inside

Learning objectives

How archaeologists work
Recent archaeological discoveries and findings
The archaeology and history of ancient israel and judah

The meaning of biblical archaeology and its relationship with the hebrew bible
How to determine if archaeology - and biblical archaeology - is a potential career for you

How archaeologists work
Recent archaeological discoveries and findings
The archaeology and history of ancient israel and judah
The meaning of biblical archaeology and its relationship with the hebrew bible
How to determine if archaeology - and biblical archaeology - is a potential career for you

Syllabus

Week 1: Introduction

What is Archaeology and what is Biblical Archaeology?

What time periods and areas will the course cover?

What is the relationship between archaeology and the Bible?

What is the "toolbox" of the modern archaeologist?

How does science impact modern biblical archaeology?

The Bronze Age background of biblical Israel and Judah.

Week 2: The early Iron Age

Who are the early Israelites?

How do we define them?

How, when, and where did the early Israelites appear?

How does the archaeological evidence for the appearance of early Israel compare to the biblical description?

Week 3: The First Kingdoms? A "United Monarchy" of David and Solomon?

What are the historical and archaeological evidence of this kingdom and these figures?

Week 4: The Northern Kingdom of Israel: ca. 930-722 BCE

Historical sources on the Israelite Kingdom.

What is the archaeological evidence of the Israelite Kingdom?

The end of the Israelite Kingdom.

Week 5: The Southern Kingdom of Judah: ca. 930-586 BCE

Historical sources on the Judahite Kingdom.

What is the archaeological evidence of the Judahite Kingdom?

What is the relationship between the Kingdoms of Judah and Israel

The end of the Kingdom of Judah.

Week 6: Daily Life and Material Culture of Ancient Judah and Israel

Social structure in biblical Israel and Judah.

Urban and rural life in biblical Israel and Judah.

Food and drink in biblical Israel and Judah.

Religion and cult in biblical Israel and Judah.

Death and Burial in biblical Israel and Judah.

Warfare in biblical Israel and Judah.

Language, writing, and literacy in biblical Israel and Judah.

Week 7: Neighboring Cultures in the Iron Age II

Philistines

Phoenicians

Transjordanian peoples

Aram

Egypt

Mesopotamia

Week 8: Aftermath of Iron Age Israel and Judah and Course Epilogue

Judahite exiles in Mesopotamia and Egypt?

The Persian Period restoration (ca. 500-330 BCE).

What Archaeology contributes to the understanding of ancient Israel and Judah.

Insights on the relationship between Archaeology and the Biblical Texts.

What to do if you want to expand your knowledge and experience in Biblical Archaeology.

Was there a "United Monarchy"?What does archaeology and the Bible tell us and how does this compare?

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores biblical archaeology of ancient Israel and Judah during the Iron Age (ca. 1200-586 BCE)

Instructors included Dr. Aren Maeir, a seasoned archaeologist recognized for his discoveries in biblical archaeology

Emphasizes history of this era and the significance of Israel, Judah, Philistine, Mesopotamia, Phoenicia, Aram, Moab, Edom, ancient Egypt, etc

Analyzes relationship between archaeology, history, and the bible, providing insights into potential synergies and conflicts

Uses various media such as video lectures, on-site discussions, 3D images, and interviews with experts, enriching the learning experience

Suitable for students interested in biblical archaeology, history, or archeology in general, seeking foundational knowledge

Reviews summary

Biblical archaeology: ancient israel and judah

According to students, Biblical Archaeology: The archaeology of ancient Israel and Judah is a well-received course with engaging lectures. While students indicated that the course content is mostly objective, they were concerned that interpretations did not take into account cultural elimination and destruction caused by invading civilizations and subsequent settlements by the invaders.

The course is mostly objective.

"Aren Maeir did a fairly good job in keeping his views objective."

Lectures are engaging.

"Aren Maeir did a fairly good job in keeping his views objective."

Interpretations do not take into account cultural elimination and destruction caused by invading civilizations and subsequent settlements.

"I sometimes discovered that his interpretations [...] did not appear to take into account the destruction/'cultural elimination' likely caused when the ejection and subjection of the analyzed regions was imposed by invading civilizations, as well as that caused by the invaders' settlement which followed."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Biblical Archaeology: The archaeology of ancient Israel and Judah with these activities:

Read The Bible

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Review the Biblical text to understand the historical and cultural context of the course.

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Read the assigned chapters of the Bible for each week's lesson.
Take notes on key events, characters, and concepts.
Identify the main themes and messages of the biblical text.

Review the Hebrew Bible

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Reviewing relevant materials will re-familiarize you with foundational concepts that will be critical to succeeding in this course

Browse courses on Hebrew Bible

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Read Genesis - Judges
Read 1 Samuel - 2 Kings

Read The Archaeology of the Bible Lands

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Gain insights into the archaeological evidence and methods used to study the history and culture of ancient Israel and Judah.

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Read the assigned chapters of the book for each week's lesson.
Summarize the key archaeological discoveries and their significance.
Discuss the relationship between archaeological findings and the biblical text.

Three other activities

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Explore Interactive Archaeological Sites with Google Earth

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Visualize and explore archaeological sites using Google Earth's satellite imagery and 3D models to gain a deeper understanding of their layout and significance.

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Download Google Earth and install it on your device.
Search for archaeological sites relevant to the course.
Navigate through the sites using satellite imagery and 3D models.
Take notes on the site's features, surroundings, and historical significance.

Create a Timeline of Iron Age Israel and Judah

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Construct a visual representation of the key events and periods in the history of ancient Israel and Judah to enhance your understanding of the chronological framework.

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Gather information on the major historical events and their dates from the course materials and additional research.
Organize the events chronologically using a spreadsheet or online timeline tool.
Include relevant details about each event, such as its significance, location, and key figures involved.

Write an Essay on the Relationship between Archaeology and the Bible

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Analyze and evaluate the complex relationship between archaeology and the Bible, considering both their points of convergence and divergence to enhance your critical thinking skills.

Browse courses on Biblical Interpretation

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Research the different perspectives on the relationship between archaeology and the Bible.
Develop a thesis statement that clearly articulates your position on the topic.
Gather evidence from archaeological discoveries and biblical texts to support your thesis.
Write an organized and well-argued essay that presents your analysis and conclusions.

Career center

Learners who complete Biblical Archaeology: The archaeology of ancient Israel and Judah will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Archaeologist

Archaeologists study human history and prehistory through the excavation and analysis of material remains. This course would provide you with a strong foundation in the methods and techniques used by archaeologists, as well as a deep understanding of the archaeology and history of ancient Israel and Judah. This knowledge would be essential for a career as an archaeologist specializing in the Middle East or ancient cultures.

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Near Eastern Studies Scholar

Near Eastern studies scholars study the history, culture, and languages of the Middle East. This course would provide you with a strong foundation in the archaeology and history of ancient Israel and Judah, which would be essential for a career as a Near Eastern studies scholar specializing in this region.

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Historian

Historians study the past using a variety of sources, including written documents, artifacts, and oral histories. This course would provide you with a deep understanding of the history of ancient Israel and Judah, which would be essential for a career as a historian specializing in the Middle East or ancient history.

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Religious Studies Scholar

Religious studies scholars study the history, beliefs, and practices of religions. This course would provide you with a deep understanding of the history and beliefs of ancient Israel and Judah, which would be essential for a career as a religious studies scholar specializing in this period. This course may be particularly useful for religious studies scholars specializing in Judaism or Christianity.

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Theologian

Theologians study the nature of God and religious beliefs. This course would provide you with a deep understanding of the history and beliefs of ancient Israel and Judah, which would be essential for a career as a theologian specializing in this period. This course may be particularly useful for theologians specializing in Judaism or Christianity.

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Epigrapher

Epigraphers study ancient inscriptions. This course would provide you with a strong foundation in the languages and scripts used in ancient Israel and Judah, which would be essential for deciphering and interpreting ancient inscriptions from this period.

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Anthropologist

Anthropology is an interdisciplinary field that combines archaeology, linguistics, history, and social sciences to study human cultures, societies, and languages. As an anthropologist, you would use your knowledge of ancient cultures and societies gained from this course to help you understand and interpret human behavior and cultural practices. This course may be particularly useful for anthropologists interested in specializing in Middle Eastern studies or ancient cultures.

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Curator

Curators manage and interpret collections of artifacts and specimens in museums and other institutions. This course would provide you with a strong foundation in the archaeology and history of ancient Israel and Judah, which would be essential for curating collections related to this period. This course may be particularly useful for curators specializing in ancient history or religious studies.

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Museum Educator

Museum educators develop and deliver educational programs for museum visitors. This course would provide you with a deep understanding of the archaeology and history of ancient Israel and Judah, which would be essential for developing and delivering educational programs on this topic. This course may be particularly useful for museum educators specializing in ancient history or religious studies.

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Tour Guide

Tour guides lead tours of historical sites and landmarks. This course would provide you with a deep understanding of the archaeology and history of ancient Israel and Judah, which would be essential for leading tours of this region. This course may be particularly useful for tour guides specializing in ancient history or religious tourism.

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Archivist

Archivists manage and preserve historical documents and records. This course would provide you with a deep understanding of the history and culture of ancient Israel and Judah, which would be essential for working with and interpreting historical documents from this period. This course may be particularly useful for archivists specializing in religious or ancient history.

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Linguist

Linguists study human language. This course would provide you with a strong foundation in the languages and scripts used in ancient Israel and Judah, which would be essential for understanding the cultural and historical context of these languages.

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Writer

Writers create written content for a variety of purposes, such as news articles, marketing materials, and creative works. This course would provide you with a deep understanding of the history and culture of ancient Israel and Judah, which would be beneficial for writing about this topic. This course may be particularly useful for writers specializing in ancient history or religious studies.

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Orientalist

Orientalists study the history, culture, and languages of Asia. This course would provide you with a deeper understanding of the ancient Near East, which would be beneficial for understanding the context of Asia. This course may be particularly useful for Orientalists interested in the relationships between the ancient Near East and the cultures of Asia.

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Egyptologist

Egyptologists study the history and culture of ancient Egypt. This course would provide you with a deeper understanding of the ancient Near East, which would be beneficial for understanding the context of ancient Egypt. This course may be particularly useful for Egyptologists interested in the relationships between ancient Egypt and the cultures of the Levant.

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