The Massive Middle Bronze Fortifications—How Did They Work?

Numerous theories have attempted to explain the function of the immense sloping defensive structures that enclosed many ancient cities in the Middle Bronze Age II (2000–1550 B.C.). Why so wide at the base? The rampart at Ashkelon, for example, is more than 50 feet high and more than 75 feet at the base.

At one time, most scholars attributed these formidable MB II fortifications to the “Hyksos,” the enigmatic and supposedly non-Semitic people from the north, who, with their superior weapons of war, invaded and conquered Canaan and Egypt in the 17th century B.C. The Hyksos had chariots, even at this early date. Ashkelon’s excavator, British archaeologist John Garstang, believed that Ashkelon’s earthworks, like those of the “Lower City” of Hazor, surrounded, not a city, but a huge chariot park. Storing chariots and their horses required a wide, protected area; hence the huge earthworks. The inhabited portion of Ashkelon, Garstang thought, was confined to a small mound inside the wide arc of the earthen embankments.

Other scholars proposed that the earthworks were related to chariotry, but for the opposite purpose: to keep them out rather than in.

Yigael Yadin dispelled both notions. His excavations at Hazor showed that the city extended throughout the lower portions of the site and was surrounded by impressive earthworks that formed the base of the fortification system. The earthworks, in other words, surrounded not a chariot park but an entire city. We now believe this to be true at Ashkelon as well. As for the other theory—that the earthworks were meant to repel chariots—Yadin pointed out that chariot warfare took place not around cities but in open plains away from cities.