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Through the Ages in Palestinian Archaeology: An Introductory Handbook
The public s continuing fascination with Near Eastern archaeology has often been frustrated by highly technical and specialized studies. This volume masterfully rectifies that situation. Here, in concise and readable form, is a comprehensive introduction to Palestinian archaeology (the region encompassed by the State of Israel, the West Bank, and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan) from the Stone Age to the Islamic period. Readers are provided with clear explanations of unfamiliar terms, geographical locations, dates, archaeological procedures, links with biblical text, and the like. Photo illustrations enhance the presentation throughout. Selected bibliographies for each chapter direct readers to appropriate resources for additional information. Through the Ages of Palestinian Archaeology constitutes a handy reference both for those already familiar with archaeology and for those who know little of why archaeologists do what they do and what can be learned from their work and their discoveries. Walter E. Rast is Professor in the Department of Theology at Valparaiso University in Indiana. He is second vice-president of the American Schools of Oriental Research and former editor of the Bulletin of the American Schools of Oriental Research. With R. Thomas Schaub, he is author/editor of The Expedition to the Dead Sea Plain Series whose first volume, Bab ed-Dhra, is now in print.
- GenresHistoryArchaeology
236 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 1992
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
January 19, 2014
Still useful as an introduction, although it is now over 20 years old, and there have been significant advances since the book was published. It is also a little too general, covering not just the ancient period, but also the medieval and modern periods (up to the beginning of the 20th century). It is still worth a look if you are interested in archaeology and history of Palestine.
September 14, 2018
Time After Time
A well written survey of archeological findings and deductive techniques used in the region, complemented by useful reference maps (pages 19 and 46) and a timelines that mark ages from lower Palaeolithic to the late Islamic. There's an emphasis on dating techniques, especially pottery styles whose difference in composition and manufacture demonstrate linkages to other areas, esp. Egypt and Babylonia, both of which, unlike ancient Palestine, recorded astronomic events. Though the Exodus is uncorroborated Rast does mention several affirming reports of events from the era of Kings 1 and 2, including finds of red burnished Syrian pottery corresponding to the time of King David's expedition to the north. Another interesting comment is that artifacts found in the less fertile hilltops indicate that very first settlers in the hilltops were Israelites and the conquest of the Canaanites of the valleys were conquered later, which I thought strategically similar to the placement of Jewish communities east of the Green Line.
About 2/3rds of the book covers prehistory and the split between the Northern and Southern Kingdoms, followed by a short summary of the Greek and Persian eras. A common thread is how the introduction of new technology such as clay containers for storing and transporting food stuffs, coinage for trade, waterproof plaster for cisterns and the invention of iron implements for agriculture changed diet, longevity and encouraged the growth of larger cities. Roman roads improved transportation and aqueducts meant that towns did not need to be located as close to springs. Coverage of the Byzantine and Islamic periods is brief, limited to 15 pages, but adequately illustrates the relationship between Christian and Jewish communities by referencing the relative mix of synagogues and churches, the former more common to the west of the Jordan river than the east.
If you are planning a trip to the area and are interested in archeological sites, Rast's book would be an excellent source to bring with you if you looking for suggestions of historical interest. Having visited several times I can recommend Meggido, Hazor, Ein Gedi, Banias, Ir David and Beit Guvrin, but there were several such as Taanach, Lachish, Dor, Balata and the tells (archaeological digs) of Ashkelon and Beersheva that I was unaware of. The book's organization appears similar to that of the Rockefeller Museum, a personal favourite, a short walk east along Rehov Suleiman from Herod's Gate just outside Jerusalem's old City. Its sections are organized clockwise around a central courtyard from prehistory to the present, neatly illustrating the progression of regional development.
Recommended.
A well written survey of archeological findings and deductive techniques used in the region, complemented by useful reference maps (pages 19 and 46) and a timelines that mark ages from lower Palaeolithic to the late Islamic. There's an emphasis on dating techniques, especially pottery styles whose difference in composition and manufacture demonstrate linkages to other areas, esp. Egypt and Babylonia, both of which, unlike ancient Palestine, recorded astronomic events. Though the Exodus is uncorroborated Rast does mention several affirming reports of events from the era of Kings 1 and 2, including finds of red burnished Syrian pottery corresponding to the time of King David's expedition to the north. Another interesting comment is that artifacts found in the less fertile hilltops indicate that very first settlers in the hilltops were Israelites and the conquest of the Canaanites of the valleys were conquered later, which I thought strategically similar to the placement of Jewish communities east of the Green Line.
About 2/3rds of the book covers prehistory and the split between the Northern and Southern Kingdoms, followed by a short summary of the Greek and Persian eras. A common thread is how the introduction of new technology such as clay containers for storing and transporting food stuffs, coinage for trade, waterproof plaster for cisterns and the invention of iron implements for agriculture changed diet, longevity and encouraged the growth of larger cities. Roman roads improved transportation and aqueducts meant that towns did not need to be located as close to springs. Coverage of the Byzantine and Islamic periods is brief, limited to 15 pages, but adequately illustrates the relationship between Christian and Jewish communities by referencing the relative mix of synagogues and churches, the former more common to the west of the Jordan river than the east.
If you are planning a trip to the area and are interested in archeological sites, Rast's book would be an excellent source to bring with you if you looking for suggestions of historical interest. Having visited several times I can recommend Meggido, Hazor, Ein Gedi, Banias, Ir David and Beit Guvrin, but there were several such as Taanach, Lachish, Dor, Balata and the tells (archaeological digs) of Ashkelon and Beersheva that I was unaware of. The book's organization appears similar to that of the Rockefeller Museum, a personal favourite, a short walk east along Rehov Suleiman from Herod's Gate just outside Jerusalem's old City. Its sections are organized clockwise around a central courtyard from prehistory to the present, neatly illustrating the progression of regional development.
Recommended.
November 14, 2023
It is a good source for what it is: an introductory text instructing you about the basics of archeology in Israel. There are summaries of different archeological approaches over the decades and good information about a number of important sites. It is, however, only an introductory text written a fair amount of time ago so serious study will require more recent and more advanced books.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews