The Patriarchal Period
(2000-1450 BC): Middle Bronze Age

According to Joshua 24:2, the forefathers of the Hebrews worshipped other gods beyond the river Euphrates. This map shows the Old Testament witness of both named and unnamed gods and their places of worship during this period. Early influences from Southern Mesopotamia and later Egyptian influence during captivity pervade the OT narrative. Through the analysis of theophoric toponymy and prosoponymy, rich details are gleaned from the text, rounding out the picture of cultic topography.