Omride Palatial Architecture as Symbol in Action: Between State Formation, Obliteration, and Heritage

The Omride palatial architecture at Megiddo, Hazor, and Beer Sheva served as powerful symbols of state formation and political hegemony during the 9th century BCE. The study reveals that the intentional obliteration of these palaces by the Nimshide dynasty was not merely coincidental but a deliberate act to erase the memory of the Omride rule, marking a significant shift in political power. This research merges historical narratives, archaeological evidence, and theoretical approaches to demonstrate how monumental architecture played an active role in both establishing and dismantling dynastic legitimacy. The findings highlight that the destruction of palaces at Samaria, Megiddo, and Jezreel was part of a broader strategy to reshape the landscape and establish new symbols of power under the Nimshide dynasty.

Sergi, O., & Gadot, Y. (2017). Omride Palatial Architecture as Symbol in Action: Between State Formation, Obliteration, and Heritage. Journal of near Eastern Studies, 76(1), 103–111. https://doi.org/10.1086/690651