The Levites appear in Jewish tradition as a sort of second-class priesthood, subservient to the priestly descendants of Aaron in the Jerusalem Temple. But a closer reading of the oldest biblical sources -- alongside archaeological evidence -- points to an origin for the Levites steeped in violence, battle, and bloodshed. We will see how in early Israel, Levites were viewed as God's foot soldiers, and their priestly authority rested in the successful waging of war.
