Image Details

Three layers in one. This plan shows three distinct phases of occupation at Tell el-Farah (south), in southern Canaan. Black indicates a structure identifiable as Egyptian by its architecture and by the many artifacts found inside it. One artifact in particular, a sherd impressed with cartouches of Pharaoh Seti II proves that the building was still used by Egyptians early in the 12th century B.C. But in about 1177 B.C. this building was destroyed and replaced by temporary, squatter settlements. Most notably, circular pits containing Aegean-type pottery were dug in and near the building and its cobbled entrance court. A more permanent settlement at the site followed soon thereafter, indicated on the plan in yellow.

Author Wood argues that the evidence from Tell el-Farah (south) meshes well with the pattern at several other coastal sites in southern Canaan. It indicates that the Sea Peoples were not—as has been assumed—posted to Canaan by the Egyptians but rather that they ousted the Egyptians from Canaan.