This lesson (Lesson 9 of "Basics of Biblical Archaeology") delves into the archaeological evidence at Hazor (Katsur) following the Israelite conquest under Joshua. It examines two main occupational phases: Late Bronze Age 2A (Stratum 14/1B, c. 1370-1300 BC) and Late Bronze Age 2B (Stratum 13/1A, c. 1300-1217 BC). Key findings from LB2A include Mycenaean pottery, evidence from the Amarna age, and a significant Thutmose IV scarab from Tomb 8144, which helps date the period preceding this reoccupation. Changes in temple architecture in Area H during LB2A suggest a new cultural group rebuilt the city after Joshua's initial destruction. The subsequent LB2B phase shows continuity with LB2A structures but culminates in a widespread, desecratory destruction, particularly evident in temples in Areas C, H, and M (including a cracked basalt podium and smashed cultic vessels). The speaker argues, contrary to some previous excavators, that this final Canaanite destruction was carried out by the Israelites under Deborah and Barak, not Joshua, citing biblical chronology and the nature of the destruction. The lesson also touches upon the discovery of large grain-filled storage jars from this final destruction.
Summary of Hazor's Post-Conquest Archaeology:
0:00:02 Introduction to Hazor (Katsur): The lesson revisits Hazor, located in the Jordan Rift Valley near the Sea of Galilee. It was an enormous city, comprising an upper and lower city, referred to in the Bible as "the head of all those kingdoms."
0:02:08 Late Bronze Age 2A (Post-Conquest): This phase (Stratum 14 in the upper city, 1B in the lower city) dates from approximately 1370 BC to 1300 BC, following a 30-year occupational hiatus after Joshua's conquest (c. 1400 BC).
0:02:58 LB2A Prosperity and Amarna Age Links: Stratum 1B in the lower city represents Hazor's peak prosperity in LB2A. Discoveries include a broadhouse temple, potter's workshops, and local/imported Mycenaean 3A pottery, dating the city to the Amarna Age (c. 1396-1346 BC). The speaker mentions the Apiru/Habiru, whom he will argue are Hebrews.
0:04:57 Tomb 8144 and Thutmose IV Scarab: This tomb contained hundreds of vessels and was primarily used during LB2A, but one find, a rare scarab of Pharaoh Thutmose IV (reigned 1418-1408 BC), suggests the tomb's initial use was just prior to Joshua's 1400 BC destruction, as his scarabs weren't reproduced posthumously.
0:10:12 Architectural Changes in LB2A Temple (Area H): Buildings in LB2A reused orthostats robbed from the earlier LB1 (Joshua's destruction) level. The temple in Area H was rebuilt with a plan significantly different from its LB1 predecessor, suggesting a new cultural group moved in after Joshua. Changes included an added portico and different internal layouts.
0:18:17 Late Bronze Age 2B (Final Canaanite Phase): This period (Stratum 13 in the upper city, 1A in the lower city) dates from roughly 1300 BC to 1217 BC.
0:18:52 Continuity and Desecration in LB2B: Stratum 1A largely reconstructed Stratum 1B structures, indicating cultural continuity. However, this phase ended in a violent destruction. Evidence includes a deliberately broken head of a seated male statuette and smashed ritual vessels. The speaker attributes this desecratory destruction to the Israelites under Deborah and Barak, not Joshua as Yadin and Bentor suggested.
0:22:34 Area H Temple in LB2B: The temple in Area H was nearly identical to its LB2A predecessor, with minor repairs. It was destroyed in a conflagration, with cultic furnishings (including an incense burner with a storm god/Baal symbol) found in a thick ash layer.
0:27:52 Area M Temple Destruction: Excavations in Area M by Bentor revealed a temple from this final Canaanite phase with clear signs of intentional desecration: an intentionally cracked basalt podium (where a deity's chair likely sat) and damaged cultic implements. This type of destruction is rare but characteristic of Israelite campaigns.
0:33:39 Grain Storage Jars: Recent excavations in Area A (upper city) uncovered large storage jars filled with grain, similar to those found at Jericho, indicating the city was destroyed during or shortly after a harvest.
0:35:02 Conclusion on Final Destruction: The speaker concludes that the evidence points to the final Canaanite destruction of Hazor being carried out by the Israelites under Deborah and Barak, as described in Judges 4:24, allowing for fuller Israelite occupation of the land.