Iron Age Levant

Iron IA	1,175-1,125 BC	Philistine Stage 1 settlements (identified by monochrome ware, reminiscent of Mycenean Ware IIIC1B) formed a Philistine pentapolis of main hubs: Gaza; Ashkelon; Ashdod; Gath; and Ekron. Egypt installed forts near each site of the pentapolis to contain the Philistines. Philistine culture is marked by strong Aegean traits: monopoly on iron working (1 Sam 13:19-21); art and architecture; unique dietary customs, including pork; later assimilated into Canaanite culture. Egyptian king Ramses III ruled during this time, and his mortuary temple reliefs mentioned active Sea Peoples population groups: Sherden (likely heralding from Sardinia); Sikil (Sicily); Tursha (Etruria); Ekwesh (Ashhiyawa); Danuna (Danunim); Pelset (Philistines). Additional reliefs at Medinet Habu show mostly Sherden and Philistines being killed en masse.
Iron IB		In Stage 2 settlements, the Philistines expanded north to Yarkon river and east into foothills (conflicting with Israelites). Monochrome ceramics were almost completely replaced by bichrome, with motifs remaining distinct from Canaanite and Egyptian ceramics. There was evidence of acculturation. The Philistines and the Mycenean motifs are very strongly similar, and likely heralded from Anatolia; they migrated over hundreds of years as they felt Hittite pressure. Philistine material culture includes: Ashdoda, a figure from Ashdod whose chair-like structure recalls Greece; and a goblet that cannot be set down, so that the user will be inebriated.
Iron IIA	1,000-925 BC	Israel in the days of David and Solomon. At this point, archaeological sources (mostly destructions) and external sources are each very important. David's reign is from 1,007-970 BC, ruled form Hebron and Jerusalem was not a seat of Israelite power yet; his son Slomon succeeds him. 1,000 BC accession of David and Philistine destructions; Solomon's reign is 970-930 BC); Rehoboam's and Jeroboam's reigns start in 930 BC; 925 BC destructions due to Pharaoh Shishak (Sheshonq). In Jerusalem, there is an absence of evidence of David and Solomon (absent are their palaces, temple and administration). Also, no material culture correlates only to the 10th century BC; it all continues into the 9th century BC.
LBA Renaissance		Deurbanized Late Bronze Age settlements underwent a renaissance during the Iron IIA. A product of the LBA Renaissance was the United Monarchy, which was essentially run by warlords who oversaw a territorial kingdom with very few formal structures (ie, forts, palaces, etc). Aspect Overview Political Large territorial states re-emerged. Egyptian rulers (Siamun, Shishak etc) tried to regain control. Social Tribal authority was replaced by state authority and dynastic lines re-emerged (ie, Davidic). Design The designs of temples, fortifications and palaces were homogenized and became identical. Trade Phoenicians (Syro-Canaanites) were the middle-man of a robust palace-based Mediterranean trade. Cypriot pottery was traded again, as well as the artisans themselves. Horses and chariots were obtainable.
Iron IIB	925-720 BC	With respect to ancient Israel, the Iron II is split into: the Early Divided Monarchy (930-839 BC) and the Late Divided Monarchy (839-720 BC). Early 925 BC destructions by Pharaoh Shishak (Sheshonq) of Egypt. In the 9th century, Israel was in constant warfare with the Arameans (early to mid-9th century) and the threat of the Assyrians by Shalmanesser III (mid-9th century). Late In the 8th century, Assyrian king Tiglath-Pileser III (mid-8th century) also campaigned against Israel. In 720 BC, Samaria was finally destroyed by Sargon II and Israel fell.
Iron IIC	720-586 BC