Socio-economic and Cultural Development of Ancient Israel South in the X-IX c. BC (Based on the Archaeological Material of Shefela)

Abstract

The report analyzes the socio-economic and cultural development of the South of Ancient Israel in X–IX centuries BC. The author explores the archaeological material of Shefela. The military factor contributed to the formation of the fortresses, development of large regional centers such as Gezer, Lachish. The good environment Shefela led to the development in the region of agricultural specialization. The role of participation of state structures was great in economic development. This process contributed to the development of monumental construction and various types of handicraft production. Based on the analysis of epigraphic material (two inscriptions found in the town of Khirbet Qeiyafa, calendar from city of Gezer, of alphabet from the settlement of Tel-Zayit) it is concluded that Shefela was one of the main centers of the development of writing in Palestine during this period.

Keywords

• ancient israel
• shefela
• military factor
• fortresses
• regional centers
• ecology
• agricultural specialization
• epigraphy