Abandonment, Urbanization, Resettlement and the Formation of the Israelite State

State formation. Urbanization. The transition from Iron I to Iron II. The tenth century question. The historicity of the Davidic monarchy. Is there anything fresh to add to our well-rehearsed debates on these topics that does not merely repackage previously held opinions? Yes, says Avi Faust, who looks to the data from excavated rural sites, often neglected by "tell-minded" archaeologists.