What archaeology has shown, Annik, is that in the 10th century ( the time when even fundies insist that David and Solomon "lived") the population of Judah was about 15-20,000 primarily pastoral nomads herding their sheep and goats around. The numbers of people living in the region are flat out fucking ridiculous. The land lacked the water and agricultural base needed to sustain a population of that level. Jerusalem itself is an even bigger question mark. Excavations have shown that at most it was a miserable little hilltop village but far more likely is that it was simply a fortified manor house ( think European "castle") which served as the seat for the local ruler. It's only water source was the Gihon Spring which could not have supported a large population and did not until the Roman era when aqueducts were built.
"Israel" the supposed northern kingdom was somewhat more populated but even that did not seem to become a going concern until the 9th century.
I'm afraid for Drippy and the rest that his precious OT is nothing but much later propaganda.
"Israel" the supposed northern kingdom was somewhat more populated but even that did not seem to become a going concern until the 9th century.
I'm afraid for Drippy and the rest that his precious OT is nothing but much later propaganda.
