economic, and demographic realities were accompanied by a measure of social stratification in Iron Age IIB,53 something that biblical texts echo. First, there is evidence of differences in the lifestyle of certain elites from that of the general population. Elaborate tombs and burial customs demonstrate social hierarchy.54 Disparity in economic levels is unmistakable, too—for instance, in light of the ivories found at Samaria, a luxury item used in wall paneling and to decorate expensive furniture