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David Lappin on dating the MK

29 July 2020
Ancient history

New Chronology groups threw up a new paper by David Lappin, 'Observations of the Moon, Sirius, and Solar Eclipses: dating the MK and NK in Egypt (Part One)' … See https://wadmin.uca.edu.ar/public/ckeditor//Facult%20de%20Ciencias%20Soci… … David Lappin is described as an astronomer and does not appear to be the historian of the same name. It involves the dating of MK pharaohs Senuseret III to 1690-1679 and Amenemhat III to 1679-1633BC. These dates are roughly 130 years later than mainstream Egyptology dates (which involve a lot of other data rather than just astronomical factors such as eclipses). Lappin goes on to say this means dynasties 18 and 19  should also be lowered by at least 100 years (or more). He says a greater reduction could be argued for – partly because of the large number of 13th and 14th dynasty rulers. He clarifies this by going on to say a reduction in chronology of 240 years, or perhaps of 320 years, is feasible. This must be manna from heaven for New Chronology enthusiasts (either of the Peter James school, or that of David Rohl). He achieves this mainly by relocating eclipse data using the Starry Night computer software programme (and other technology). No wonder he had to publish research in Argentina. One could hardly imagine it being published in the UK or the US.

Note … a large part of the article had already been published in Germany it would seem, in 2013. He also claims to have been helped in his submission by Peter van der Veen, Peter James, Robert Porter, Ad Thijs and Bernard Newgrosh, a veritable round table of New Chronology adherents.

We are then led to believe there is scope for a revision of chronology of between 100 and 300 years. No doubt Robert Porter will update SIS readers on this new paper and its implications.

Whilst we are on the subject of the two variations of the New Chronology, it seems Peter van der Veen, a collaborator with David Rohl, has written a new book. It involves redating Iron IIB which, it seems, ended with a destruction layer at Lachish. This is normally assigned to the campaign of Sennacherib. There is of course no proof of this but it has become wedged into mainstream chronology as a likelihood. Van Der Veen argues for a later date – during the reign of Manasseh. One might also argue for a date at the end of the reign of Manasseh – particularly if an earthquake was involved. The proposed shift in dates is supported by the production of Assyrian style pottery in Iron IIB, which would not have occurred prior to the reign of Hezekiah (meaning a link to Sennacherib is out of the question). This brings in the question of Iron IIA and when it came to an end. . Van Der Veen plumps for the reign of Jeroboam II (which may also have ended in an earthquake) – or at least at some point in the 8th century BC. Megiddo IVB = Iron IIB which supports Iron IIA from early 9th century to possibly late in the reign of Jeroboam II (or even coinciding with the raash of Uzziah). The book contains a lot of pottery sequences, which is the backbone of his theory. Pottery sequences are the meat and potatoes of the archaeologist. Not a book for the general public as these are questions based on archaeological finds and dating various layers. Unless of course you are a glutton for obscure data, and the minutae of archaeological finds. You may read it once but would you read it twice. Hopefully, Robert Porter will also update SIS chronology buffs on this book and what it implies.

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