To what extent did foreign aspects influence the religion of the Judahites? Sanctuaries, altars and terracotta figurines

Recent archaeological discoveries from Israel reveal significant foreign influences on the religion of the Judahites during the Iron Age. The Judahite temple at Tel Moẓa exhibits North Syrian architectural elements, while horned altars found in Beer-sheba and Dan or Megiddo are linked to Philistine traditions originating in the Aegean region and Egypt. Additionally, terracotta figurines, such as the 'horse and rider' from Moẓa, suggest a shift in symbolic representation, possibly indicating elite status rather than divine imagery. The study analyzes these artifacts by comparing them with parallels from other sites, providing insight into how Judahite cult practices were shaped by interactions with neighboring cultures, including Egypt, the Aegean, Syria, and Mesopotamia.

Moulis, D. R. (2021). To what extent did foreign aspects influence the religion of the Judahites? Sanctuaries, altars and terracotta figurines. Acta Fakulty Filozofické, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.24132/actaff.2021.13.1.2