The Beth Shean Valley and its Vicinity in the 10th Century BCE

This article brings together results of archaeological explorations related to the 10th century BCE in the Beth Shean Valley, with emphasis on the excavations at Tel Beth Shean and Tel Reḥov. The evidence is evaluated in light of two transitions that occurred during this century: from the Iron Age I to the early Iron Age IIA and from the early Iron Age IIA to the late Iron Age IIA. These transitions and their dates are well documented by stratigraphic sequences, pottery development, and 14C dates, the latter mainly at Tel Reḥov. Stratum VI at Tel Reḥov is at the focus of this discussion since it is one of the few cases where the early Iron Age IIA could be isolated and documented, showing continuity of urban life in that period, with no actual crisis at the end of the Iron Age I. This is in contrast to the situation at many other sites such as Tel Beth Shean, Megiddo, Yoqne’am, and Tel Kinneret, where a crisis at the end of the Iron Age I followed by decline or occupational gaps and slow revival in the late 10th century were observed. The article deals with various aspects of the material culture of this period and addresses questions relating to ethnic and geopolitical identity, as well as to the biblical narrative concerning the alleged United Monarchy and the Shoshenq List.