The Cache of Egyptianized Vessels from Megiddo: A Stratigraphical Update

Abstract

The article presents an updated description of the Early Bronze I finds in Area J at Megiddo, in view of the results of the 1998 and 2000 seasons. Specifically, it discusses the layout of the Level J-4 (EB IB) monumental temple, the circumstances of its abandonment and a phase of renewal of activity at the ruined temple in Level J-4a (also dating to the EB IB). The cache of Egyptianized pottery found in Area J in 1996 was dated by Finkelstein and Ussishkin, on stratigraphical grounds, most likely to the EB III (Level J-5), and by Joffe, on typological grounds, most likely to the EB IB (Level J-4). The 1998–2000 seasons provided additional stratigraphic evidence for its attribution to Level J-4a, the last phase of the EB IB temple.