E6 - From Villages to Kingdoms: the Rise of Ancient Israel

E12 - The Fall of Jerusalem

In 586 BC, Jerusalem and the kingdom of Judah are destroyed by the Neo-Babylonian empire. It is estimated that Judah lost more than two-thirds of its population in what is one of the greatest tragedies of Jewish history. In this episode, we try to understand why this happened? How Babylonia came to power? And what did Judah do wrong to bring upon itself this calamity? Using the ancient records of imperial Assyria and Babylonia, we reconstruct the turbid history of the 7th century BC. We watch Assyria fall from its greatest heights to non-existence and geopolitical chaos that this causes. Judah is caught between Babylonia and Egypt with no good options. Lastly, we use archeology to get a snapshot of post-destruction Judah and to get a better understanding of the catastrophe that had befallen the Judeans. This episode was released on the eve of Tisha B'av, the date according to Jewish tradition when the Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem and the First Temple. I hope that it sheds light on this period of Jewish history from the perspective of archeology and modern scholarship. Read the episode transcript and my thoughts about Jewish history at: https://historyofthejews.substack.com/ [https://historyofthejews.substack.com/] You can also reach me at: hotj.podcast@gmail.com [hotj.podcast@gmail.com]

E11 - The Twilight of Judah: Life Under Assyria

The 7th century BC is the twilight of the kingdom of Judah. After Hezekiah's failed revolt in 701 BC, Judah has been reduced to an Assyrian vassal state. How much does that change Judean lives? In this episode, we explore how Judah adapted post-701 and how Assyria shaped the Judean relationship with their Philistine and Edomite neighbors. Meanwhile, Judean culture survives this new world and we find the first mention of Sabbath in recorded history. We build this history on Judean and Philistine archeological findings at Ekron, Yavne-Yam (Mesad Hashavyahu) and Jerusalem. This episode features the Ketef Hinnom scrolls recording the Priestly Blessing also found in Numbers, dating to around 600 BC. Read the episode transcript and my thoughts about Jewish history at: https://historyofthejews.substack.com/ [https://historyofthejews.substack.com/] You can also reach me at: hotj.podcast@gmail.com [hotj.podcast@gmail.com]

E10 - Hezekiah's Revolt

Judah navigates its destiny in the trying times of the late 8th century BC. The kingdom of Israel has been destroyed and divided. Tens of thousands of refugees flood into Judah. And Judeans ask themselves the hard question, what do they do about Assyria? Do they rebel and suffer the consequences? Or do they pay the price of quiet and submission? In this episode, we discuss Judah's choice, the fallout and why they made the choice that they did. We build this history on Assyrian writings and ancient Israelite and Philistine archeology found at Lachish, Jerusalem and Ekron. Read the episode transcript and my thoughts about Jewish history at: https://historyofthejews.substack.com/ [https://historyofthejews.substack.com/] You can also reach me at: hotj.podcast@gmail.com [hotj.podcast@gmail.com]

E9 - Israel Falls

In the late 8th century, a new king takes the throne in Assyria and tensions rise across the Near East. They must choose total submission and pay tribute to Assyria. Or, they can try their luck against the might of the Assyrian empire. Twice, the kingdom of Israel rebels and loses it all. The repercussions change life in Israel and Judah forever. This episode continues our narrative history, exploring Israel's rebellions and the aftermath. We discuss the legend of the Lost Ten Tribes and what changed in the lives of most Israelites living in the northern kingdom. Read the episode transcript and my thoughts about Jewish history at: https://historyofthejews.substack.com/ [https://historyofthejews.substack.com/] You can also reach me at: hotj.podcast@gmail.com [hotj.podcast@gmail.com]

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 ancient 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 - Samaria and Jerusalem - and walk around the city of Megiddo looking for somewhere to get a drink. And, finally, we tour two Israelite temples - one in the northern city of Dan and one in the southern city of Arad - 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]