The study of the Transjordanian regions and the kingdoms of Ammon, Moab and Edom during the biblical periods
has experienced an upswing in recent years, with particularly high interest in its historical and archaeological aspects as well as its place within larger Near Eastern studies. Meanwhile, its importance for the fate of the Southern Levant in antiquity is becoming increasingly clear. Despite lying on the fringes of the Southern Levant, these kingdoms were rather influential polities; both the copper mining activities of Edom in the early stages of its nomadic tribal organization (at Timna and at Faynan) as well as the later international trade and economic systems proved rather impactful for the entire eastern Mediterranean. The Transjordanian regions of Moab, Ammon, and Edom stood alongside the Aramean kingdoms, the Phoenician city states, and the Southern Levantine coastal plain under the cultural influence of the Philistines as places of vital importance for their respective cultural contacts. For more details see my research blogs: www.transjordan.uzh.ch and www.edomarchaeology.com.
The course will introduce students to this important new field of research. Recent articles will be discussed. The course will also invite international specialists on the field for papers (given via Zoom).