Social Stratification in the Late Bronze and Early Iron Ages: An Intra‐Site Investigation at Megiddo

Abstract

Summary The article presents an intra‐site investigation of the Strata VIIA and VIA faunal remains at Megiddo, Israel, which date to the LB III and late Iron I respectively. We examined social disparity between the populations of two areas of the city. Our finds indicate a difference in social status and division of labour: a dichotomy between producer‐consumers and consumers, who most probably interacted. Viewed in light of other types of remains at Megiddo, these findings reveal that the inhabitants of one sector engaged in agriculture and cottage industries, while the people in the other part of the city, close to the palace, were more affluent – related to the local ruler and administrators. Our study demonstrates the potential in intra‐site investigation at large, multi‐period sites.

Food Rituals and Their Social Significance in the Mid‐Second Millennium BC in the Southern Levant: A View From Megiddo

“…An equal representation of all body parts (MNE based; Table ) implies that preparation and consumption of animal meat was done locally. This is in line with the activity in this area in later periods (Sapir‐Hen et al ., ) and is similar to the finds in the ritual context (Tomb 100).…”

“…Speth & Clark, ), was highly regarded in the Bronze Age as well, and its attainment bears a prestige status. Deer was not found in any other context in Area K. In the Iron Age I, it was recorded only in the assemblages of the more prosperous sector of the population located near the palace in the northwestern sector of Tel Megiddo (Area H; Sapir‐Hen et al ., ). Its presence only in specific pit burials that show other unique features (see preceding texts) may hint to the special status of the buried individuals.…”

“…Identification and recording of faunal remains follows the protocol outlined in Sapir‐Hen et al . (). Number of identified specimens (NISP) is used here as the basic measure for abundance, assuming interdependence.…”

“…Animal remains found in these rooms seem to represent daily, mundane activities, although the possibility of rituals related to the burials cannot be excluded. A previous study of faunal remains from Area K has demonstrated the domestic‐industrial status of the remains there in later periods (the LB III and Iron Age I; Sapir‐Hen et al ., ). The domestic status, reflected in the reliance of the inhabitants on agriculture as well as on production of meat and secondary goods, is especially pronounced in comparison with the contemporaneous inhabitants of Area H, located near the palace and gate of the ancient city (Figure ).…”

“…The domestic status, reflected in the reliance of the inhabitants on agriculture as well as on production of meat and secondary goods, is especially pronounced in comparison with the contemporaneous inhabitants of Area H, located near the palace and gate of the ancient city (Figure ). The latter were provided with food (rather than produced it) and enjoyed access to good meat‐cuts (Sapir‐Hen et al ., ).…”