PIXINOO/ALAMY STOCK PHOTO

NOMADIC LIVING. Nomadic structures, such as these tents from Merzouga, Morocco, are easy to move. This is an essential feature for past and present nomads, as they travel from place to place to herd their animals. However, tents and other nomadic structures do not often preserve well in the archaeological record, thereby making identification and reconstruction of ancient nomadic peoples difficult. The Bible recounts that Kings David and Solomon ruled over the 12 tribes of Israel, but, despite years of searching, archaeological evidence of their kingdom remains limited. Yet, if their kingdom comprised mostly pastoral nomads, along with some city dwellers and townspeople, it makes better sense of the archaeological findings.