The Holy Land An Archaeological Guide from Earliest Times to 1700

by Jerome Murphy-O'Conner

This book is an excellent choice for visitors to the Holy Land who want to take an in-depth look at the area's historical sites. Among this Oxford guide's special features are 150 site plans, maps, diagrams, and photographs; routes through the Old City of Jerusalem; a brief historical outline; and a glossary of essential terms. Oxford Archeological The Holy Land is also a useful source of practical advice on museum hours, suggested dress, travel and lodging contacts, as well as information on visiting desert locations such as the Judaean Desert and the hills of Elat. The first half of the book covers sites in the city of Jerusalem, grouping them into areas for easy exploration. Maps accompany each site described. The second half of the book features an alphabetical listing--from Abu Ghosh to Yehiam--of key sites scattered throughout the Holy Land. Each site includes a reference to its position on the "Israel Touring Map" (available at bookstores in Israel), and especially recommended sites are starred or double-starred.

As an added bonus to this edition, more than 70 shaded sidebars offer a mini-anthology of ancient texts. "Not only do such documents illustrate the sort of material on which our historical knowledge is based, but their vividness and immediacy give a new dimension to the sites," writes author Murphy-O'Connor. --Kathryn True

Genres: Archaeology, History, Nonfiction, Reference, Travel, Biblical Studies, Architecture

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1980

Reviews

[Luke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think that one of the other reviewers summed this book up best when they referred to it as "a nerds travel guide." The first section of the book focuses on Jerusalem, the temple mount, and the surrounding area. The second section of the book is an alphabetical record of significant places in Israel. The author includes Biblical, historic as well as contemporary insights. The book does support an old earth perspective.

This book did give me a historic and geographic perspective of the Holy Land that a strict Biblical study would not give. It provoked me to read others on the Crusades as well as the Second Temple Period. I gave the book 4-stars because it was well written and covered the material as well as it could be covered. However, don't pick this book up thinking that you are going to be entertained.

[Shelley]

Excellent pictorial archeological guide through Israel. Wish I had this with me when I last visited Jerusalem.

[Sharon Weynand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did not read in its entirety, but used as a resource for our trip to the Holy Land. Great information, would recommend!

[Sarah]

The nerd's-guide to Israel.

[James Hansee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a must resource for anyone traveling to the Holy Land. I read through this book after I had visited the places in Israel. It is beneficial to read before going or after.