The Holy Land: An Oxford Archaeological Guide

by Jerome Murphy-O'Connor

The geographic heart and soul of Judaism, Islam, and Christianity, the Holy Land has immense significance for the millions of visitors it has attracted since as early as the fifth century BC. Now in an exciting new edition, this popular handbook once again offers tourists an indispensable, illustrated guide to over 200 of the most important archeological and religious sites in the City of Jerusalem and the surrounding area.
Fully updated with all the latest information, The Holy Land presupposes little knowledge of history or archaeology, giving clear directions on how to find sites and monuments of interest both well known locations and those less familiar. With entries including the Damascus Gate, the Via Dolorosa, Mount Sion, the Dead Sea, Hebron, and Jericho, this indispensable book includes detailed maps, plans, and illustrations that further illuminate these spectacular locales. Each entry explains the history and topography of a site as well as its function and significance. In his introduction, Father Jerome Murphy O'Connor provides a brief historical outline of the Holy Land, from the Stone Age to the Modern Period, and lists sites accordingly. The Fifth Edition includes new information on the crucial recent developments at the Holy Sepulchre and on six completely new sites, including a Middle Bronze Age water system in Jerusalem and what may be the original Pool of Siloam.
A marvelous Baedeker to both the city of Jerusalem and the Holy Land, brimming with practical advice and featuring more than 150 high quality site plans, maps, diagrams, and photographs, this book provides the ultimate visitor's guide to one of the richest archaeological regions in the world.

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

576 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.