The Naked Archaeologist Season 1 Episode 18 Joshua

The Naked Archaeologist season 1 episode 18, titled "Joshua," focuses on one of the most recognized names in the Bible and his legendary conquests of the land of Canaan. Host and producer Simcha Jacobovici travels to Israel to uncover the Biblical and archaeological evidence for Joshua's campaigns.

The episode begins with a brief explanation of the significance of Joshua and his story. According to the Bible, he was a general under Moses who led the Israelites to conquer the Promised Land after Moses's death. The conquest of Canaan was no small feat, as the land was populated by powerful city-states and empires that had held sway for centuries. The Israelites were a loosely organized confederation of tribes with no centralized government, and yet somehow they overcame the odds and established their own kingdom.

Jacobovici then takes viewers to Tel es-Safi, an archaeological site in southern Israel that is commonly identified with the biblical city of Gath, home of the giant Goliath whom David supposedly defeated. While Gath is outside the scope of this episode, Jacobovici points out that its location on the border between Philistia and Judah suggests that it was an important strategic point for the Israelites.

Moving on to the city of Jericho, Jacobovici examines the Biblical account of Joshua's conquest of the city. According to the book of Joshua, the Israelites marched around the city walls for seven days, blowing their trumpets on the seventh day and causing the walls to collapse. Jacobovici notes that while this story has been disputed by scholars and skeptics, there is archaeological evidence of a violent destruction of the city walls around the time period in question. This evidence supports the idea that there was some sort of military action that caused the walls to come down, although the specifics remain unclear.

Next, Jacobovici turns to the site of Hazor in northern Israel, which was one of the largest and most important city-states in Canaan during the Iron Age. The Bible tells us that Joshua defeated Hazor and burned it to the ground, but was this really the case? Jacobovici examines the archaeological evidence and concludes that while Hazor was indeed destroyed around the time period in question, there is no clear evidence of Israelite involvement in the destruction.

The episode then takes a detour to the modern city of Lachish, where Jacobovici interviews renowned Israeli archaeologist Yigael Yadin about his discovery of the city's ancient gate. Yadin discovered a series of relief carvings on the gate depicting scenes from the Book of Joshua, including the Israelite conquest of Lachish itself. The carvings provide striking visual evidence of the Biblical account, although Jacobovici notes that some scholars have interpreted them as propaganda meant to glorify the Israelite victory.

Finally, Jacobovici travels to the city of Shechem in the West Bank to explore the site of the covenant ceremony that Joshua held with the Israelites before his death. The ceremony is described in detail in the book of Joshua, and Jacobovici looks for evidence of its historicity at the archaeological site of Tel Balata. He examines the remains of a palace that was built on the site several centuries after Joshua's time, and notes that the architectural features match those described in the Bible. This suggests that the site was indeed an important religious and political center, although whether Joshua himself was present during the ceremony remains a matter of debate.

Overall, "Joshua" is a well-researched and engaging exploration of one of the most iconic figures in the Bible. Jacobovici's blend of scholarship and storytelling makes for an informative and entertaining viewing experience, and he raises important questions about the historicity of the Biblical account while also acknowledging its enduring cultural significance. Whether you're a believer or a skeptic, "Joshua" is a must-watch for anyone interested in the history and archaeology of the ancient Near East.