Take-home essay: this essay is worth 40 point of the first test. It must be typed, and it must be handed in at the beginning of class on the test day. Tardiness is unacceptable. This is a "knowledge, understanding, and thinking" question from the grading guidelines.

Explain the concepts of "relative chronology" and "absolute chronology". In your answer, use Lachish and Hazor as example of where an absolute chronology can be determined and explain how this absolute chronology at that particular site can be related to strata at other sites. In your answer, explain why the absolute chronology from Lachish is more reliable than the one from Hazor. Also, use all of the following terms so that it is clear that you understand their meaning and importance: tel, stratum, locus, layer, feature, pit, wall, floor, pottery typology (form, form variant, ware, manufacture, & decoration), balk, top plan.