FLOOR AREA AND POPULATION DETERMINATION: A METHOD FOR ESTIMATING VILLAGE POPULATION IN THE CENTRAL HILL COUNTRY DURING THE PERIOD OF THE JUDGES (IRON AGE I) (ISRAEL

The purpose of this dissertation was to investigate the importance of a cultural aspect which may be inferred from archaeological remains--demographic analysis. The study focused on the Hill Country villages of Israel during the time of the judges or Iron Age I, 1220-1020 B.C., and extrapolations from this demographic analysis contributing to a discussion of village life. The demographic analysis concentrated on developing a population formula for Iron Age I villages based on floor area and settlement population.;Chapter One showed the movement of the discipline of archaeology toward a synthetic approach, and the effect which this has had on biblical or Palestinian archaeology. The basic problem for study was stated and the methodology proposed.;Chapter Two involved a critical review of cross-cultural and cultural approaches for determining population. This critical review allowed a cross-cultural approach based on floor area of dwellings to emerge as the focal determinant.;Chapter Three involved adapting the determinant specifically for the Hill Country during the time of the judges. Previous adaptations of the focal determinant were discussed. Ethnograhic analogs were chosen on the basis of cultural and architectural features allowing an exact mathematical formulation to be made. This study determined that a roughly accurate measure of population for Iron Age I villages of the Hill Country of Israel should approximate one-eighth of the floor area under roof of its dwellings measured in square meters.;Chapter Four dealt with the application of this formula to the Iron Age sites of Ai (et-Tell), Raddanah, and Tell el-Farah, north. The application yielded very small estimates of population for these villages. Utilizing these figures, estimates were made of population size and density for the entire Hill Country area. Cross method comparisons showed the relative accuracy of the proposed formula.;Chapter Five involved implications for village life based upon the population estimates, archaeological materials, and the biblical text. This chapter dealt with the function of the village as a microcosm, the household, social stratification, and political organization.;Chapter Six served as a summary for the major findings of the research. Conclusions concerning the population of the Hill Country during Iron Age I and implications for village life were reviewed.