Archeology analysis

Your Name Subject and Section Professor’s Name April 3, 2024 Archaeology Questions Case Study One Based on the evidence uncovered at the Bronze Age site of Ashkelon, there is a high possibility that this location once served as a bustling trading hub and warehouse for maritime commerce. One example that exemplifies this is the presence of a dock adjacent to the connected series of rooms filled with hundreds of ceramic pots, which were essential for storage for transportation and receiving of goods in the ancient days. Additionally, the large handled amphorae used for transporting goods such as olive oil, wine, and grains indicate a focus on maritime trade since these were the most commonly traded goods back in the day. In addition, the discovery of fragments made of precious metals suggests the exchange of luxury goods, further supporting the idea of commercial activity. Regarding power dynamics, I strongly argue that this site reflects economic power. The ability to control and facilitate trade routes, especially maritime trade, is not only an indication of great power today but even more so in the ancient days when there were no means of aerial transport. As such, this would have conferred significant economic influence on the governing authority or entity associated with Ashkelon during the Bronze Age. Additionally, access to valuable resources like olive oil, wine, grains, and luxury goods would have provided economic leverage and likely contributed to the prosperity and status of the community or ruling elite. In other words, the presence of such discoveries, coupled with the infrastructure found, suggests that Ashkelon was a pivotal economic center exercising inf...