What Is Cultural Anthropology? Essay Example

It is interesting to note the overlap between areas of anthropology. This is perhaps most evident in Biblical archeology. The findings of Biblical archeology have been interpreted in terms of cultural anthropology.  Recent interpretations have influenced beliefs about the Joshua invasion theory (WGBH).
Archeological evidence demonstrates the Biblical version is mythic. Modern anthropologists turn to archeological evidence to underscore this belief. The Bible version of the Joshua invasion depicts a divinely empowered army of Israelites sweeping through city-states in the matter of months or years.

Based on the archeological evidence, however, it seems the conquest of the Land of Canaan was much more gradual and that the Joshua invasion was not nearly as spectacular as depicted in the Bible. It seems Joshua’s army succeeded in defeating a few city-states but the actual conquest of Canaan came from the Canaanites themselves (WGBH).

The geographic and economic class disparity in Canaan was what was really defeated Canaan. As city-states began to fail from Egypt to Mesopotamia, social upheaval was what caused a transition in Canaan (WGBH). Nomads, displaced peoples such as the Hebrew slaves from Egypt, and grassroots movements all contributed to the rise of Ancient Kingdoms of Israel and Judea.

The overlap between areas of anthropology is evident in Biblical archeology. Recent interpretations have influenced beliefs about the Joshua invasion theory. The findings of Biblical archeology have been interpreted in terms of cultural anthropology.

Work Cited

WGBH Educational Foundation. (2008). Season 36 [Episode 6]. In Nova, The Bible’s Buried Secrets. Hulu.com: PBS.