The arabah copper polity and the rise of iron age Edom: A bias in biblical archaeology?

Summary: The Arabah Copper Polity and The Rise of Iron Age Edom: A Bias in Biblical Archaeology? In a recent article, Erez Ben-Yosef describes an ostensible bias in biblical archaeolo-gy—the emphasis on societies that left behind stone-built remains and a disregard for pastoral nomadic-based territorial polity. Ben-Yosef identifies the Iron I-IIA finds from the copper centers at Faynan and Timna as representing an early Edomite, non-sedentary kingdom. Here I deal with three issues: I begin by showing that most of Ben-Yosef’s premises have already been suggested by scholars decades ago. I then turn to what I consider as major shortcomings in his theory. Finally, I present an alternative model for an Iron I-IIA territorial entity in the Arabah and neighboring areas as well as for the rise of the kingdom of Edom.