Thanks for this. Because of Finkelstein's controversial views on the Chronology of the 9th-10th century, it would be a great if you could interview someone who disagrees with his position like Faust, Mazar, Ben-Tor or Dever.
I would prefer someone who has been doing actual archeological research that is close to this question, maybe a younger guy or gal. Not the disagreement with Finkelstein should be in the foreground but the question itself: why it is important, what has been found so far, and what we are looking for in the future.
@10:49 Finkelstein says that "there is really no evidence for the possibility to compose literary texts in this part of the ancient near-east before around 800 BC." He has said essentially the same in the series at least twice before. How do we know that? Is it the absence of ANY writing in archeological finds? Or is there another reason to know that?
The short answer is yes. Lack of writing. Maybe not complete lack of ANY writing but enough to know they were not a literate people. That's really what he's saying I think. A literary composition is a far cry from a "no trespassing" sign, if you know what I mean. The archeological record for writing changes significantly in the 8th and especially 7th centuries. P.s. it may also be that since this is Finklestein's second, or third language even, the use of "possibility" maybe more accurately should be "capability". But , of course, that's an assumption on my part.
As I recall, he pointed out somewhere that, to support the Pentateuch writing, you need a considerable writing material manufacturing base (and economic base). Also, if you write a long scroll, you need readers. The Pentateuch is not for stelle.
Happy Birthday Prof. Finkelstein!
I really enjoy these videos, very enlightening. Looking forward to the rest of the interviews.
I really appreciate these videos.
Thanks for watching!
Good teacher
Thanks for this. Because of Finkelstein's controversial views on the Chronology of the 9th-10th century, it would be a great if you could interview someone who disagrees with his position like Faust, Mazar, Ben-Tor or Dever.
I would prefer someone who has been doing actual archeological research that is close to this question, maybe a younger guy or gal. Not the disagreement with Finkelstein should be in the foreground but the question itself: why it is important, what has been found so far, and what we are looking for in the future.
@10:49 Finkelstein says that "there is really no evidence for the possibility to compose literary texts in this part of the ancient near-east before around 800 BC." He has said essentially the same in the series at least twice before. How do we know that? Is it the absence of ANY writing in archeological finds? Or is there another reason to know that?
The short answer is yes. Lack of writing. Maybe not complete lack of ANY writing but enough to know they were not a literate people. That's really what he's saying I think. A literary composition is a far cry from a "no trespassing" sign, if you know what I mean. The archeological record for writing changes significantly in the 8th and especially 7th centuries.
P.s. it may also be that since this is Finklestein's second, or third language even, the use of "possibility" maybe more accurately should be "capability". But , of course, that's an assumption on my part.
As I recall, he pointed out somewhere that, to support the Pentateuch writing, you need a considerable writing material manufacturing base (and economic base). Also, if you write a long scroll, you need readers. The Pentateuch is not for stelle.