A succinct but thorough introduction to the history of the Holy Land and its archaeology.
The Archaeology of the Holy Land provides an introduction to the archaeology and history of ancient Palestine: modern Israel, Jordan, and the Palestinian territories.
Historical coverage begins with the destruction of Solomon's temple in 586 BCE to the Muslim conquest over a thousand years later in 640 CE. Magness specifically emphasizes the archaeology of Jerusalem and the Second Temple period, during the time of Jesus' life.
For that period, as well as all the others, The Archaeology of the Holy Land offers historical background for the Mediterranean world and the ancient Near East, and Palestine. Major sites such as Masada, Caesarea Maritima, and Petra are examined in archaeological and historical detail, along with the material culture (coins, pottery, glass, and stone vessels) also receive attention.
