Prerequisite(s): A seminar course that explores the central role that David and Solomon played in the development of kingship and state formation in ancient Israel in relation to ancient Near Eastern and Hebrew historical texts and archaeological excavations in modern Israel. Careful attention will be paid to the exegesis of the biblical texts of Samuel and Kings before comparisons are made with cultural, political, and historical events in Israel and the ancient Near East from an archaeological perspective. The course will make heavy use of the primary source materials in the William G. Dever Research Library.