Groups living in the Central East Jordan Valley from the Bronze Age onwards traditionally have been considered tribal at a basic structural level. In evaluating this claim, Van der Steen finds much historical and archaeological evidence to support this hypothesis. Based on her thesis, this study examines data from excavations and surveys carried out in the region to elucidate patterns of settlement and aspects of nomadism, as well as historical and literary evidence including sources such as the Amarna Letters and the Bible as well as more local written sources. Drawing parallels with tribal societies of the 19th and early 20th century, Van der Steen finds that despite certain differences, `the main attitude and reactions of these people towards their land and territory, towards the fluctuations of climate and economy, prosperity or decline, their dealings with outside powers and with other tribes have not changed significantly in those three millennia'. The reason? It is a strategy that works.