The Holy Land: An Archaeological Guide from Earliest Times to 1700

by Jerome Murphy-O'Connor

Now available in a new edition, this wonderful tour of the Holy Land has been thoroughly revised, expanded, and brought up to date. Perfect for travelers (not least those of the armchair variety), this concise, readable, and even witty book offers both an authoritative look at the history,
art, architecture, and archaeological aspects of the region, and expert advice on how to find the sites and monuments of the greatest interest to the visitor. The Holy Land takes the reader from Stone Age caves and the grandiose buildings of Herod the Great, to Roman Roads, Byzantine churches,
Crusader fortifications, and beautifully decorated Mameluke houses. Murphy-O'Connor--who has spent twenty years guiding tourists in the Middle East--offers detailed instructions on various routes that will encourage the traveler to venture off the beaten path, and provides the latest information on
the most recent excavations, complete with detailed site plans and maps. For the visitor to a region rich in history and religious tradition the guide is indispensable; for the casual reader, it offers hours enjoyment right at home.

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

492 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.