From the Garden of Eden to St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, from ancient stories chronicling the changing fortunes of various peoples to the present-day findings of archaeologists and scholars who study them, the history of the region known as the holy lands, which now covers Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, Egypt, and Israel, yields fascinating and often contentious information about the origins of Western civilization. Within this region lie the ruins of ancient cities, the remains of societies that did not survive to the present day, and the birthplace of many religions and philosophies. During its long history, there have been countless people, beliefs, and goods arriving at this crossroads from all over the known world. As the key point of contact linking Europe, Asia, and Africa, the holy lands have been a stage for both peaceful exchanges and violent clashes between cultures, as they continue to be today. Historical Atlas of the Holy Lands presents an unbiased account of the social, geographical, and political background of the entire region, not only retelling the classic biblical stories but looking at the latest archaeological evidence and providing a thoroughly up-to-date account of what is known about these stories. This single-volume survey combines clear and accessible text with full-color maps, illustrations, and photographs, providing an engaging and insightful look at a tumultuous history of the holy lands and bringing the ancient past to life. Coverage includes: Introduction Epic Bible Journeys Israel--Glory and Disaster Key Biblical Cities Israel Gazetteer Lebanon West Bank Jordan Syria Egypt Euphrates and Tigris Basin Turkey Greece Italy Conclusion. Excerpted from Historical Atlas of the Holy Lands by Karen Farrengton All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.
