How have archaeological data influenced scholarly interpretations of the conquest of Canaan in the book of Joshua? What are some of the scholarly theories about the origins of Israel? Which do you think is best and why?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Answer is Archaeology has shown that the many of the cities mentioned in the conquest did not even exist as walled cities in the thirteenth century BC.E. (meaning they could not have been destroyed at that time) and that there was no major cultural shift in Canaan in that timeframe. Students should address the Conquest Theory, Immigration Theory, Peasant Revolt Theory, and Gradual Emergence Theory and which option they prefer, providing sound reasons for their answer.

How Have Archaeological Data Influenced Scholarly Interpretations of the Conquest