Fortifications of Tel Hevron During the Bronze and Iron Ages, Once Again.

Recently, a scholarly debate took place about the date of construction and use of "cyclopean" city walls at Tel Ḥevron, as well as at other sites in the hill country of the southern Levant. Although these fortifications are traditionally dated to the Middle Bronze Age II, David Ussishkin suggested a much later date in the Iron Age IIB. A somewhat related debate, similar both methodologically and chronologically, is associated with the revetment fortification wall at Tel Lachish. The aim of this article, rather than presenting any new evidence, is to summarize the debate and examine the feasibility of dating the Hebron fortifications at this stage, partly against the backdrop of Middle Bronze Age fortifications at other sites in the central hills and in the southern Levant in general. Apparently, both dating suggestions are based more on historical considerations and resemblance to other sites than on solid stratigraphic considerations or absolute datable material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]