Personal names etched into clay and stone over 2,500 years ago are revealing more than just identities — they are exposing the inner workings of ancient societies.
In a pioneering study, Israeli researchers applied ecological statistical methods to analyze the diversity of names from Iron Age II (950–586 BCE) archaeological artifacts, revealing the Kingdom of Israel’s cosmopolitan nature compared to the more insular Judah. Published in the peer-reviewed PNAS journal, the study introduces a novel approach to uncovering cultural trends when written records are scarce.
Scholars from Hebrew University, Tel Aviv University, and the University of Haifa examined over 1,000 names inscribed on seals, ostraca, and storage jars. By adapting ecological diversity metrics, the team quantified not only the variety of names but also their distribution across populations, offering new insights into the social and political dynamics of ancient Israel and Judah. “Names are cultural artifacts,” said Dr. Barak Sober of Hebrew University’s Department of Statistics & Data Science, who co-led the study with Ariel Vishne. “Using ecological tools, we uncover patterns of identity and openness invisible in traditional archaeology.”
The results were illuminating. Israelite names showed greater diversity, suggesting a society influenced by diverse linguistic and cultural exchanges, likely due to its position along trade routes. In contrast, Judah’s name diversity declined over time, particularly in its final century, reflecting increased religious centralization and social control. “Names reveal linguistic trends, religious practices, and social hierarchies,” said Dr. Mitka R. Golub, who compiled the study’s onomastic database.