Revealed in Their Cups: Syrian Drinking Customs in Intermediate Bronze Age Canaan

Proponents of EB III-IV continuity have downplayed cultural changes following the urban collapse in Canaan. Questioning this trend, we argue for a significant ceramic shift, highlighted by the introduction of the teapot and cup/chalice. This reflects a change from status definition through feasting in the Early Bronze Age to drinking in the Intermediate Bronze Age. As the expression of status through drink was prevalent in contemporary urban Syria, mobile groups from the urban periphery could have introduced drinking paraphernalia into northern Canaan in emulation of the Syrian elite. Farther south, a secondary emulation occurred, reflected in the creation of a local drinking repertoire.