Histories of the Holy Land Podcast

Send us Fan Mail After the unexplained collapse at the end of the copper age, a new culture emerges from the ashes of the Chalcolithic. The Canaanites would dominate the land in the Bronze Age and bring give it a new name and identity. But almost immediately, they faced incursions from imperialist neighbors.  Support the show

Send us Fan Mail The Land of Israel was a pioneer in agriculture. However,  when Egypt unified it found itself with the most powerful empire the world had ever known on its doorstep. How did Egypt go from a backwater to the powerful land of the pyramids?  Support the show

Send us Fan Mail The Copper Age was one of astounding advances in the Land of Israel. It saw the first kingdoms and hierarchies emerge. It also had organized religions and incredible treasures. In this episode, we focus on two fascinating stories. The life of a pastoral shepherd and an amazing treasure hidden for thousands of years.   Support the show

Send us Fan Mail The walls of Jericho are best known from the story of Joshua Ben-Nun's reconquest of the Land of Israel. The Book of Joshua tells a memorable story. But did that really happen? There were indeed ancient walls in Jericho. But the story is not so simple. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail The Natufians were the first genuinely agricultural society in the world. They brought social stratification, religion, and jewelry to the Land of Israel. Some Palestinians even claim Natufian heritage. This is their story.  Support the show

Send us Fan Mail 20,000 years ago, the Ice Age entered one of its worst periods, the chilling Last Glacial Maximum. The humans in the Land of Israel tried desperately to survive. They pulled together and made it through, and in the process changed the history of humanity forever.  Support the show

Send us Fan Mail As the Neanderthals died off, the first modern humans entered the Land of Israel. But the Neanderthals left them a parting gift. Combining local and imported elements, Homo Sapiens create a uniquely Levantine culture.  Support the show

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we will welcome you to the podcast. And introduce the method and scope as we ask the question: to whom does the Land of Israel belong? Support the show

Send us Fan Mail The Land of Israel is the leading lady in our show. So, who is she, and what is she like? Some have described it as a “land of milk and honey,” others as a barren wasteland. But, as always, we look for the truth.  Support the show

Send us Fan Mail The Land of Israel was underwater during much of the Jurassic era. But that didn't stop dinosaurs from making their home there. We look at some Israeli dinosaurs. We also follow the earliest of our ancestors as they discover the power of fire in the Jordan Valley.  Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Homo Erectus was getting cozy in the Land of Israel. But strange foreigners came to the land from Europe, the famed and misunderstood Neanderthals. What happened when they met? Violence, sex, and possibly genocide. Listen for the full story. Support the show