Gods in the Desert: Religions of the Ancient Near East

by Glenn S. Holland

Gods in the Desert explores the fascinating religious cultures of the ancient Near East. From the mysterious pyramids, tombs, and temples of Egypt to the powerful heroes, gods, and legends of Mesopotamia, Glenn Holland guides readers through the early religions that are the root of many of today's major faiths.

Holland compares the religions of ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Syria-Palestine, including Israel and Judah, from the Neolithic era through the conquest of Alexander the Great. He provides a historical survey of each region, then discusses the gods, the rulers, the afterlife, and the worship rituals. This accessible overview makes clear how these religions converged and diverged, and are intimately connected to many of the religions we recognize today, sometimes in surprising ways.

Genres: History, Research, Religion

272 pages, Hardcover

First published July 16, 2009

Reviews

[Dr G · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an outstanding study of a quite wide area, the ancient religions of Egypt, Syria, Iraq, and the Levant, beginning at the earliest times and carrying through until around the Roman empire.

Despite the breadth of the topic, Holland keeps the work tidily structured, an impressive feat in itself. It is scholarly and objective, but not oppressively dry.

The work requires focus and intense concentration but repays these handsomely.

[Mara Wynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slightly out of date now but still worth a read. Quite light and doesn't require a lot of background knowledge.