Drew University Library : University Archives : Theses and Dissertations
    
author Maxxe Albert-Deitch
title Controlling the Narrative: How National Mythology and Archaeology Shaped Identity in Modern-Day Israel
abstract It's widely acknowledged in anthropology, folklore, and most other disciplines that myth is the backbone of belief. Myth becomes history, which in turn becomes truth, which becomes the bedrock upon which our ideologies and substantive existences are built. The same rhetorical methods that served as a basis for cultural cohesion two thousand years ago work just as well now for binding countries together through national myth. The same act that creates a sense of cohesion also inherently creates a sense of exclusion—the creation of a national founding mythos often creates a myth of exclusion—'this is our land, not theirs.' Archaeology, religion, and the narrative history of cultural cohesion (and division) come together to help explain the way that myth and history interact within the context of state formation and border enforcement. This discussion of narrative, myth, and archaeology's role in crafting identity, history, and national borders points to two main arguments: first; that narrative and storytelling are far more important to history than many believe, and second; that there should perhaps be more oversight and criticism when evaluating the use of archaeology and antiquities departments in governmental affairs. This thesis uses in-depth analyses of actions taken and methodology used at three controversial archaeological sites (the Old City of Jerusalem, the Masada fortress, and Khirbet Qumran) to discuss cultural cohesion and the definition of "homeland" in relation to the modern state of Israel.
school The College of Liberal Arts, Drew University
degree B.A. (2021)
advisor Allan Dawson
committee Jonathan Golden
Kimberly Rhodes
full textMAlbert-Deitch.pdf