The Iron Age in the traditional Ancient Near Eastern chronology ranges from somewhere around 1200 BCE to 333 BCE. It begins from the era when it was first thought iron came to be used up to the ascendency of Alexander the Great as the major power of the Ancient Near East. The Iron Age is categorized as the second age following the Bronze Age under the Ancient Times. The categorization of the Iron Age in this chronology is based on the 'Three-Age System' originated by a Danish archaeologist named Christian J. Thomsen in the 1800's. Although iron were already is use in the 3rd millennium, many continue to maintain its validity. For many, the Iron Age should end with the rise of Cyrus of Persia as the major power of the Ancient Near East. Based on the different events that occurred in Israel during that period, the Iron Age should be divided into six sub-categories: Iron Age Ia, Iron Age Ib, Iron Age IIa, Iron Age IIb, Iron Age IIIa, and Iron Age IIIb. To acquire a proper understanding on Israel during this period, researchers ought to value both biblical and archaeological results to establish a more credible reading.
This is a companion discussion topic for the original content at https://www.worldhistory.org/article/850/mesopotamian-effects-on-israel-during-the-iron-age/.