Edomite empire

Magical123

Banned
Okay folks would it be possible to have an Edomite empire with a capital at Bozrah, extending to the dead Sea and the red sea also reaching the Egyptian border? With an eastern frontier near the Arabian desert?

Say 6th-4th centuries BC?

What would it take for a minor Semitic people and one of Biblical Israel's most indomitable enemies to forge an empire?
 
Yay something that I know!

Okay, so let's take one thing into consideration. The story that we know is the story of the Israelites, and just like any good victor they make their enemies look like the worst people on the face of the earth.

Now, the Edomites were not too different from the Israelites as far as we can tell. They were a loose Monarchy formed for mutual protection from other tribes, and nearby empires. They were also most likely at the same technological level as the Israelites. So really, just give the Edomites a war and good leadership, they win that war, you then have yourself an Edomite Empire. The Israelites were such a loose collection of people's that all they needed was one big defeat to collapse.

Now, something interesting, the Edomites as far as I've read had better relations with the Egyptian then the Israelites did. So, this Edomite Empire would actually probably be very successful having Egypt as an overlord or at least a defensive ally.

Unfortunately I can't go much more into detail because we simply don't know much outside of Israelite propaganda and slander.
 
My knowledge of this period is spotty at best, but isn't Crete and Cyprus a big thing at this point? Surely they'd make a useful ally and commercial partner?

Otherwise, I guess a standard alliance with Moab against Israel and Judea, with Moab getting the land east of the Jordan, and Edom the west. Take on Judea, and then if possible the Philistine States and suddenly Edom is in the position to dominate the region. If on good terms with Egypt, Egypt might even decline to intervene.

All the additional agricultural land would probably help the largely trade-based realm, and dominating the Philistine States should at least prepare the partnership for war against Isreal itself. Bit dicier that one, maybe an alliance with the Phonecians (who probably already trade with Edom).

After that, Edom has the agricultural lands of the Jordan Valley, its own trade, and a larger tax base to work with - and that should probably help. It probably still exists within the Egyptian sphere of influence.

But as I said, my knowledge is spotty. For all I know Israel/Judea were powerhouses in comparison.
 
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