**5. Lamp-and-Bowl Deposits**

Another phenomenon, usually associated with popular cults, are groups of vessels, mostly new bowls and lamps, which were deposited under the foundations of various structures (Figure 10). Bunimovitz and Zimhoni (1993) noted that these were found mostly in the areas with a strong Egyptian influence and connected this practice to a similar one which is known from contemporary Egyptian foundation rituals. The deposits found in Egypt included small versions of real vessels, as well as materials which were used to construct the building. The phenomenon therefore hints to an Egyptian cultural influence, though the vessels were local (for a slightly different view, see DePietro 2012, pp. 99–124).

**Figure 10.** Lamp-and-bowl foundation deposit from Area S (Level VI) at Lachish (From Bunimovitz and Zimhoni 2004: Figure 19:60; courtesy of the Institute of Archaeology of Tel Aviv University).

#### **6. Summary**

Both the written and archaeological evidence for cultic activities during the Late Bronze Age is abundant. The written texts, and the variety of temples, figurines, and other cultic paraphernalia, demonstrate the openness of the Canaanite religion during the Late Bronze Age. Different regions and settlements may have worshipped different sets of gods and goddesses. The cultic activities seem to have been influenced by neighboring powers, such as the Hittites and especially the Egyptians and their pantheon of gods and symbolism. In fact, there seems to have been a syncretism and mix of symbolisms between the Canaanite and Egyptians—especially towards the end of the period. The long-lasting Canaanite religious traditions and cult practices persevered despite the collapse of the Canaanite city-state organization at the end of the Late Bronze Age, and had a great influence (in both belief systems and cultic practices) on the developing nation states and cultures during the Iron Age.

**Funding:** This research received no external funding.

**Acknowledgments:** I would like to thank Avraham Faust for the invitation to contribute this article to this special issue on Archaeology and Israelite Religion. Thanks also to the anonymous reviewer whose thoughtful comments helped to improve the paper.

**Conflicts of Interest:** The author declares no conflict of interest.

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Ben-Ami, Doron. 2006. Early Iron Age Cult Places. New Evidence from Tel Hazor. *Tel Aviv* 33: 121–33. [CrossRef] Ben-Tor, Amnon. 2006. Ceremonial Palace, not a Temple. *Biblical Archaeology Review* 32: 8, 78–79.

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