International Middle Bronze Age Conference
Vienna, 24th of January - 28th of January 2001
Perspectives on the early MBII in the Jordan Valley:
a) implications of the earliest pottery assemblages
b) the earliest assemblages at Hazor
Aren M. Maeir, Institute of Archaeology, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, 52900, ISRAEL
In this presentation I will discuss several aspects relating to the crystallization of the MBII culture throughout the Jordan Valley. I will attempt to
utilize this discussion to suggest several central themes in the processes that led to the full-blown appearance of the urban cultures of the later
phases of the MBII.
The two main topics that will be dealt with are:
- A review of the earliest MBII pottery assemblages throughout the region. Based on this data, suggestions will be advanced on various
processes that occurred during this period. Examples being: cultural influences; trade patterns; cultural, ethnic and political divisions; and
differential regional trajectories in the development of the MBII culture.
- A review and discussion of the earliest MBII assemblages at Hazor. Particular emphasis will be placed on the implications of this material for
the understanding of the early development of the Hazor polity and its relationships with other MBII entities.