The linked chartPreview the document provides a quick analysis of different periods in the ancient Near East. The dating of ancient Israel (Canaan) is usually divided up into supposed changes in metal use and then-empires (Persian, Greek, Roman) while the dating of Mesopotamia follows political changes (kingdoms). Egypt, not represented on this chart, is divided into various periods of stability (Kingdom) or change (Intermediate). Using the course textbook, suggested library resources, or internet resources, fill in the sections of the chart as assigned. In all, there are 20 items to be identified.
The goal of this assignment is to visualize the general chronological dates for major biblical periods and major events from surrounding cultures, especially in Mesopotamia (to the north) and Egypt (to the south).
Download the ancient Near East ChartPreview the document. Fill in the sections of the chart as indicated:
Period: This column follows the general dating of Palestine for much of the Old Testament period. Note that a number of these labels could be defined with greater detail (Late Bronze I or Late Bronze II) and there is much controversy over the way they are split as well as the exact dates. Needless to say, people did not all drop bronze tools and pick up iron ones on the same date!
Dates: Fill in the range of dates for each period. The Early Bronze Age is provided as an example. Scholars debate over various chronologies and there are numerous suggestions for these dates so check a few different sources to get the best average range for each period.
Key PersonsBible/Israel: Place in this column the names of a few key persons that are developed by the Bible. The Middle Bronze Age is the time of the Patriarchs so that has been filled in by way of example. Think of great individuals or even persons for whom the books of the Bible are named, like Ezra.
IsraelKey Events: In this column include major events in the history of Israel. Some examples would be: The Exodus, The Conquest (Joshua), the United Monarchy, the fall of Samaria, and the fall of Jerusalem.
Mesopotamia and/or Egypt Parallels: Most of these occasions or key discoveries have been placed on the chart for parallel reference. Complete this column by adding the following events/persons:
Hammurabis law code
Shishaks invasion of Palestine
The Cyrus Cylinder
In addition to normal reference works (Bible Dictionaries and Encyclopedias) some helpful resources would be a basic history of the Ancient Near East or of Israel. A few of these are listed below:
History of Ancient Near East
Hallo, William W., and William Kelly Simpson. The Ancient Near East, A History. Second Edition. Harcourt College Pub., 1998.
Kuhrt, Amelie. The Ancient Near East. 2 Volumes. NY: Routledge, 1995.
Postage, J. N. Early Mesopotamia. NY: Routledge, 1994.
Van De Mieroop, Marc. A History of the Ancient Near East ca. 3000-323 BC. Malden, MA: Blackwell Pub., 2004.
History of Israel
Bright, John. A History of Israel. Fourth Edition. Westminster John Knox, 2000.
Kaiser, Walter C., Jr. A History of Israel From the Bronze Age Through The Jewish Wars. Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1998.
Merrill, Eugene H. Kingdom of Priests: A History of Old Testament Israel. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1973.
Provan, Iain W., V. Phillips Long, and Tremper Longman. A Biblical History of Israel. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2003.
Wood, Leon J. A Survey of Israels History. Revised Edition. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1988.
Instructions: Save your changes and upload this document in this assignment. Make sure your name is on the chart that you upload.
