History of the Jews

E8 - Life in Ancient Israel

What was life like for an Israelite nearly three thousand years ago? Did it make a difference if they lived in the kingdom of Israel or Judah? And who did they worship? In this episode, we immerse ourselves in Israelite culture and try to answer these questions. We follow the archeology as Israel and Judah develop their own unique cultural nuances. We visit Israelite capitals and walk around the city of Megiddo looking for somewhere to get a drink. And, finally, we tour two Israelite temples and meet the god(s) of Israel. Read the episode and bonus content at: https://historyofthejews.substack.com/ [https://historyofthejews.substack.com/] You can also reach me at: hotj.podcast@gmail.com [hotj.podcast@gmail.com]

E7 - Ancient Israel Enters History

What do we know about the kingdom of Israel? When does it first appear in the historical record? And what is its place among the nations of the Eastern Mediterranean? In this episode, we explore the world of the Israelites in the 9th century and anxiously follow the resurgence of its greatest adversaries - Egypt and Assyria. The kingdom of Israel plays a leading part in the Anti-Assyrian coalition that struggles to hold Assyria's appetite for conquest at bay. But then something changes and internal politics tear apart this alliance, deciding the fate of Israel and her neighbors. Read the episode and bonus content at: https://historyofthejews.substack.com/ [https://historyofthejews.substack.com/] You can also reach me at: hotj.podcast@gmail.com [hotj.podcast@gmail.com]

E6 - Between Villages and Kingdoms

After the Bronze Age Collapse, Canaan lay in ruins. The invading Sea Peoples emerge as a dominant power, asserting control over the coast of Canaan. But tucked away in the highlands, the Israelites slowly recover and adapt to a dangerous new world. During the late 11th and 10th centuries, this new reality forces them out of their defenseless villages and back into fortified cities. They reinforce their frontiers and build forts to keep a watchful eye on the Philistines and their other neighbors. Out of this period of crisis and transformation emerged something new: perhaps a united Israelite kingdom, perhaps the early foundations of Israel and Judah. Whatever it was, it prepared them for the next great threat. Far in the distance, Assyria was shaking off the dust from the Bronze Age Collapse. And looking westward. Read the episode and bonus content at: https://historyofthejews.substack.com/ [https://historyofthejews.substack.com/] You can also reach me at: hotj.podcast@gmail.com [hotj.podcast@gmail.com]

The Israelite Origin Story: Memories (Part 2)

How did the Israelites remember their past? And how does that memory compare to the history uncovered by archaeology? The previous episode (The Israelite Origin Story: The History), told the Israelites origin story from the perspective of archeology. In this episode, we explore the Bible not as history, but as Israelite memory. From Abraham and the Patriarchs to Egypt, the Exodus and the conquest of Canaan, we ask: What the Israelites chose to remember, what they forgot, and what that reveals about who they were. Read the episode and bonus content at: https://historyofthejews.substack.com/ [https://historyofthejews.substack.com/] You can also reach me at: hotj.podcast@gmail.com

The Israelite Origin Story: The History (Part 1)

Who were the Israelites? Where did they come from? This episode tells the origin story of the Israelites based on archeology - condensing centuries of history into a coherent prequel and first chapter of Jewish history. Competition between Canaan and Egypt creates the conditions for a resurgent New Kingdom Egypt that will dominate the Canaanites for centuries. The Bronze Age Collapse changes the world order, creating a power vacuum in Canaan and new opportunities. And the Israelites leave their homes in search of the good life in the highlands, doing their best to leave the ashes behind. Read the episode and bonus content at: https://historyofthejews.substack.com/ [https://historyofthejews.substack.com/] You can also reach me at: hotj.podcast@gmail.com