The political spectrum in the region led to the formation of several cultural units: The Kingdom of Israel, the Kingdom of Judah, Philistia, the Phoenician coast, and the Kingdoms of Transjordan. During this period, there was an increase in urban settlements, and the culture was of a new, local type. The rich, varied archaeological finds give proof of international links. This period abounds in documentary material testifying to the widespread knowledge, among the Israelite population, of reading and writing, even by those who were not scribes - an unusual phenomenon in the ancient world. The period ends with the destruction of the First Temple by the Babylonians in 586 BCE. There was apparently no change in the material culture during the Babylonian period, which extends until the Persian period. Clay incense burner decorated with a frieze depicting human heads  from the area of Mount Hebron

Clay plaque depicting female figurine standing inside a shrine Major building projects, such as the Temple in Jerusalem, fortified cities and royal palaces characterize this period. Architecture shows a definite Phoenician influence, as do cult objects, the script and everyday artifacts. Epigraphically finds include monumental inscription such as on the stele of Mesha’, king of Moab ostraca from Samaria, Arad and Lachish: and seals and bullae. Several distinctive features can be observed and architecture which are the result of local innovations. For example, specific pottery types are developed and original architectural elements are used, such as dressed stones and  “chapiters of Lily work” (I Kings 7:19), that is, protoionic capitals. Noteworthy also is the “four room house” plan. Both the form and decoration of pottery vessels differentiate those of Judah from those of Israel.