Archaeological Sources for the History of Palestine: The Middle Bronze Age: The Zenith of the Urban Canaanite Era

Abstract

Sometime around 2000 B.C.E. the long process of collapse in the southern Levant was halted, and improved conditions set the stage for a sudden revival of urban life. During the next 500 years, impressive walled cities were built, new and significantly improved forms of pottery and bronze implements appeared, a simplified alphabet was developed, and international trade was conducted. These accomplishments, and more, mark this period as a formative one in the history of ancient Palestine.