After the Bronze Age Collapse, Canaan lay in ruins.

The invading Sea Peoples emerge as a dominant power, asserting control over the coast of Canaan. But tucked away in the highlands, the Israelites slowly recover and adapt to a dangerous new world.

During the late 11th and 10th centuries, this new reality forces them out of their defenseless villages and back into fortified cities. They reinforce their frontiers and build forts to keep a watchful eye on the Philistines and their other neighbors.

Out of this period of crisis and transformation emerged something new: perhaps a united Israelite kingdom, perhaps the early foundations of Israel and Judah. Whatever it was, it prepared them for the next great threat.

Far in the distance, Assyria was shaking off the dust from the Bronze Age Collapse. And looking westward.

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