Figments of Chronological Debates

A groundbreaking radiocarbon dating study of Gezer, one of the Biblical Tels (Megiddo, Hazor, Beer Sheva), challenges long-standing assumptions about the chronology of monumental architecture in the region. Using high-precision radiocarbon dating and Bayesian analysis, researchers dated Gezer's Stratum 8 to the first half of the tenth century BCE, suggesting that its six-chambered gate and administrative center were constructed during this period. This finding complicates the 'high vs. low chronology' debate, which hinges on whether such structures align with biblical accounts of King Solomon's reign. The study also highlights the need for a more nuanced approach to understanding ancient Israelite society, moving beyond simplistic neo-evolutionary models and considering its polymorphous nature—blending settled and nomadic elements. While the new dating provides valuable insights into the gradual emergence of monumental architecture during this transformative period, it underscores the limitations of radiocarbon dating in resolving year-specific events, advocating for the integration of archaeomagnetic dating to achieve more precise chronological reconstructions.

Ben-Yosef, E. (2024). Figments of Chronological Debates. Journal of Eastern Mediterranean Archaeology and Heritage Studies, 12(4), 428–434. https://doi.org/10.5325/jeasmedarcherstu.12.4.0428