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

by Jerome Murphy-O'Connor

The Holy Land, as the geographic focal point of Judaism, Islam, and Christianity, has immeasurable resonance for the pilgrims it has attracted since as early as the fifth century BC. The Holy Land is an indispensable, illustrated guide to over 200 of the best Christian, Jewish, and Islamic
sites in the City of Jerusalem and the surrounding Holy Land from earliest times to 1700. Each entry explains the history and topography of a site, as well as its function and significance. Father Jerome Murphy-O'Connor provides a brief historical outline from the Stone Age to the Modern Period,
and lists sites accordingly.
The Holy Land presupposes little knowledge of history or archaeology and gives clear directions on how to find sites and monuments of interest--both well-known and those less familiar. With entries including the Damascus Gate, the Holy Sepulchre, the Via Dolorosa, Mount Sion, the Dead Sea,
Hebron, and Jericho, this indispensable guide includes detailed maps, plans, and illustrations further illuminating these spectacular wonders.

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

516 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.