TY - JOUR
T1 - Diversity statistics of onomastic data reveal social patterns in Hebrew Kingdoms of the Iron Age
AU - Vishne, Ariel
AU - Golub, Mitka R.
AU - Piasetzky, Eli
AU - Finkelstein, Israel
AU - Sober, Barak
N1 - Publisher Copyright: Copyright © 2025 the Author(s).
PY - 2025/5/20
Y1 - 2025/5/20
N2 - The distribution of personal names provides unique, yet often overlooked, insight into modern and historical societies. This study employs diversity statistics—commonly used in ecology—to analyze onomastic data from Iron Age II archaeological excavations in the Southern Levant (950–586 BCE). Our findings reveal higher onomastic diversity in the Kingdom of Israel compared to Judah, suggesting a more cosmopolitan society. We also observe a decrease in name diversity in Judah over time, potentially reflecting sociopolitical changes. Center/periphery analysis shows contrasting patterns in Israel and Judah. These results provide insights into social dynamics, cultural interactions, and identity formation in these ancient societies. Our methodology, validated using supplementary archaeological data, as well as modern datasets, offers a robust framework for applying diversity statistics across various modern and historical contexts.
AB - The distribution of personal names provides unique, yet often overlooked, insight into modern and historical societies. This study employs diversity statistics—commonly used in ecology—to analyze onomastic data from Iron Age II archaeological excavations in the Southern Levant (950–586 BCE). Our findings reveal higher onomastic diversity in the Kingdom of Israel compared to Judah, suggesting a more cosmopolitan society. We also observe a decrease in name diversity in Judah over time, potentially reflecting sociopolitical changes. Center/periphery analysis shows contrasting patterns in Israel and Judah. These results provide insights into social dynamics, cultural interactions, and identity formation in these ancient societies. Our methodology, validated using supplementary archaeological data, as well as modern datasets, offers a robust framework for applying diversity statistics across various modern and historical contexts.
KW - biblical archaeology
KW - digital humanities
KW - diversity statistics
KW - onomastics
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=105005475838&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1073/pnas.2503850122
DO - 10.1073/pnas.2503850122
M3 - مقالة
C2 - 40366687
SN - 0027-8424
VL - 122
SP - e2503850122
JO - Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
JF - Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
IS - 20
M1 - e2503850122
ER -