Die Beziehungen Moabs zu Israel und Ägypten in der Eisenzeit (review)

Vol. 10, No. 4 Summer 1992 113 this period. This of course testifies to less than complete implementation of the anti-Jewish policies, in this instance at least. Joseph Shatzmiller Department of History University of Toronto Die Beziehungen Maabs zu Israel und Agypten in der Eisenzeit, by Udo Worschech. Wiesbaden: Harrassowitz, 1990. 144 pp. n.p.1. Udo Worschech has contributed the eighteenth volume to the series Agypten und Altes Testament, which is edited by Manfred G6rg. In this concise study the author, who has written extens,ively in many languages about his archaeological digs in the Middle East, looks at the complex region of the North West Ard el-Kerak during the Iron Age. He acknowledges that many studies have analyzed the locality, but there had not been any specific examination on the settlement history during the Iron Age. From 1983 to 1987, Worschech led an investigation in e1-Balu with the Marienhohe Theological Seminary in Darmstadt, which uncovered many pieces of pmtery that help explain the character and the complexity of the area. The author explains that Iron Age settlements have been found in different areas than Bronze Age sites. He surveys four late Bronze and early Iron Age sites on the plateau west of the via Trajana: Gebel Sihan, Tedun III, Yariit, and Gabu; and discovers and surveys eight settlements on the mountain slopes near the Dead Sea: Tiran en-Naquib, Gebel Fawwar/Gebel Dafyan, Ed-Dcr, tlaraziya, Mudcneh am el-M6gib, Es-Smarrah, Haud elHaEiyir , and LJmm Qal'a. The author is careful to pOint out that the differences in climatic zones have a profound influence over what type of site archaeologists find. Worschech details each area, diligently describing the geography, geology, topography, and pottery discovered in each. He provides a generous number of illustrations so that the reader can compare the relics from one site to the other. I-Ie also offers many different maps to show the physical relationship between the settlements. In addition, ten pages of photographs arc included exhibiting the region and highlighting some of the ceramics that have been found. The second half of the book deals with the historical aspects of Iron-Age settlements. The whole book is technical and will yield the most to those already acquainted with the basics of the region. 114 SHOFAR Worschech draws a distinction between the nomadic population of eastern Palestine and the more urbanized western Palestine natives still under the aegis of the Egyptians. The author conjectures that when the Egyptians transferred their interest to the more sparsely settled territory in eastern Palestine, the Shasu people developed into a more sedentary society. He then speculates that one of the sheiks from eastern Palestine became the nrst king of Moab. Drawing on the works of K. A. Kitchen, the author believes that the sudden appearance of forts and villages in Central Moab was due to Egyptian foreign policy. In fact, he reiterates, Central Moab remained intact into the Persian period, not wishing to nght stronger opponents until 649 H.C.E. when nomadic Arab tribes overtook the area. Through the artifacts gained during many years of digging, Worschech is able, at least partialIy, to explain how and why the central Moab reagion was settled. It would be difficult to imagine a more thorough discussion of the relics and geography of the area, yet if there is a criticism it is that the book is too specialized. Not knowing much about Iron Age settlements, I would have appreciated some more background on the area, and perhaps a greater survey of its history and religious past. Worschech needs to relate this book more to the Old Testament and the turbulent history of ancient Judaism. The artifacts need to be more closely tied with the habits and beliefs of the people. This, however, should not detract from a splendid exhibit of historical archaeology. Worschech provides a useful bibliography and ample notes le)r those who want to explore the subject further, and he points out areas for future investigations. Glenn R. Sharfman Department of History Hiram ColIege The Road to Power: Herut Party in Israel, by Yonathan Shapiro. Albany: State University of New York Press, 1991. 208...