Transition from Iron I to Iron II

The principal issue in this chapter is a discussion of whether or not a united monarchy existed during the tenth century BCE. That requires an analysis of current archaeological data, extrabiblical records, and the biblical narratives associated with the reigns of Saul, David, and Solomon. In addition, these data are coupled with an examination of the social, economic, and political forces that were at work during this period. These include an examination of the necessary steps that would need to be take to shift from a multi-polity, decentralized social organization to a chiefdom and ultimately to a centralized monarchy. As part of this discussion, legal precedents, the iconic importance of monumental architecture, the role of the ark of the covenant, the importance of Jerusalem as a political and religious capital city, and interaction with the Philistines and other political rivals are reviewed.