Final answer:
Canaan was highly desirable due to its strategic geographic location, fertile lands as part of the Fertile Crescent, and its spiritual significance to the Hebrews. It was a hub for trade and agriculture which attracted various empires and people groups, including the Hebrews post their exodus from Egypt.
Step-by-step explanation:
The land of Canaan was highly desirable due to several factors which made it a focal point for various people groups throughout history. Its geographic location at the crossroads of Africa, Asia, and Europe made it an ideal trading hub. As part of the Fertile Crescent, Canaan was rich in resources and had fertile lands which were perfect for agriculture. This fertility was mirrored by Egypt's Nile valley, known as "Kemet" or the Black Land, for its highly productive soil which supported extensive agriculture and wealth. However, Canaan offered access to the Mediterranean and trade routes, setting the stage for trading nations like the Phoenicians. The historical narrative of the exodus describes how the Hebrews settled in Canaan, following their exodus from Egypt, attracted by the promise of a land of abundance and peace.
Archaeological records and historical accounts paint Canaan as a place of prosperity and innovation. The Egyptians, viewing themselves as favored by the gods, sought to extend their divine harmony to Canaan by conquering it during the New Kingdom era. Moreover, Canaanites played significant roles in the region's history, even ruling Egypt during the Second Intermediate Period as the Hyksos. The Hebrew Bible mentions the settlement of the Hebrews in Canaan, post their exodus and the establishment of a united monarchy, facing conflicts with neighboring empires. While some biblical events like Joshua's conquest of Canaan after the Exodus may not be supported by archeological evidence, the region's significance and desirability are not in doubt.
The land of Canaan also held a spiritual promise for the Hebrews. According to sacred writings, Yahweh, the Hebrew god, promised them a land of abundance in return for their worship, making the region religiously significant.