Lecture on the History of Ancient Canaan and Surrounding Kingdoms

Introduction

• Discussion of the land of Canaan, its history from early development to part of the Egyptian Empire.
• Significant events of the 12th century BCE:
  • Arrival of the Sea Peoples
  • Collapse of the Hittite Empire
  • Loss of Egypt's holdings in the Levant
• These events led to significant changes in the region's political and demographic landscape.
• Formation of new independent states such as Israel, Judah, Moab, Edom, Ammon, etc.

The Kingdom of Edom

• Located south of the Dead Sea, name derived from "red" (color of sandstone mountains).
• Semitic-speaking semi-nomadic people entered the Negev desert circa 1300 BCE.
• First referenced in records of Pharaoh Merneptah (circa 1210-1205 BCE).
• Subject to King David of Israel, then later part of Judah.
• Became independent by 845 BCE, later conquered by Assyrians.
• Known for copper mines, flourished under Assyrian rule.
• Destroyed around 586 BCE by Neo-Babylonian Empire, later absorbed into Persian satrapy of Eber Nari.

The Kingdom of Moab

• East of Dead Sea, first mentioned during reign of Pharaoh Ramses II (1292-1224 BCE).
• Conquered by King David, later regained independence under King Mesha (circa 830 BCE).
• Mesha Stele (Moabite Stone) references independence from Israel.
• Conquered by Assyrians under Tiglath-Pileser III (734-732 BCE), then the Neo-Babylonian Empire and Persian rule.

The Kingdom of Ammon

• East of Jordan River, northeast of Dead Sea, chief city was Rabbat Ammon (modern Amman).
• Reached peak during 8th-6th centuries BCE.
• Mentioned in Hebrew Bible as enemy and subject of Israelites.
• Participated in 853 BCE Battle of Karkar against Assyrians, later became a vassal state.
• Incorporated into Neo-Babylonian and eventually Persian empires.

The Kingdom of Gilead

• Located on Kings Highway, connecting Damascus with Gulf of Aqaba.
• Subject to Israel until conquered by Assyrians in 732 BCE.

Israel and Judah

• Israel first mentioned as a people in 13th century BCE Merneptah Stele.
• Post-Bronze Age collapse, established as a kingdom around 1000 BCE.
• Stories of Saul, David, Solomon in Bible reference early history.
• Kingdom split into Israel (north, capital Samaria) and Judah (south, capital Jerusalem).
• King Omri of Israel (885-874 BCE) during a dangerous period due to Egypt and Assyria.
• Israel ultimately destroyed by Assyria (Sargon II), Judah survives longer.
• Judah conquered by Babylonians, leading to Babylonian captivity (586 BCE), later allowed return by Cyrus the Great (539 BCE).

Conclusions

• The program highlights the complexity of political entities in ancient Canaan and their interactions with larger empires like Assyria, Babylon, and Persia.
• For further exploration, check out the History with SCI podcast and follow on social media platforms.

This lecture provides a comprehensive overview of the power dynamics and changes within ancient Canaan and its neighboring regions, emphasizing archaeological and historical sources.