early israel

At the end of the late Canaanite period, the countries of the Ancient Near East went through ethnic, political, and economic fluctuations that affected Canaan, as well. As a result, Egyptian control over the country weakened and finally come to an end. The city-states ceased to exist. At the same time, however, new ethnic elements penetrated the area: Israelite tribes, Philistines, and other Sea Peoples. The settlement of the Israelite tribes was a long and complex process, taking place from the 13th to the 11th centuries BCE. Archaeological surveys reveal that the main penetration occurred in the northern part of the Jordan Valley with settlements in the vicinity of Shechem and Dothan. Only later did they spread southward to Ephraim and Judah and northward to the Galilee region. Clay pots discovered at the settlement sites seem to be very ordinary in appearance and reflect a tribal society living in a village environment. Especially widespread are the large storage vessels of the type called 'collar-rim jar'. Philistine pottery, which is of impressive design, allows us to follow the traces of Philistine settlements throughout the country and their assimilation into the local population. The Philistines are credited with introducing the technology for producing iron vessels into the Land of Israel.