History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)

Book Description

Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.

Customer Reviews:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03

Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.

Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19

Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.

Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09

There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.

For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.

Very Interesting.......2007-03-07

It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.

History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10

Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.

I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.

Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.

Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.

I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.

This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.

How to Walk in the Footsteps of Jesus and the Prophets: A Scripture Reference Guide for Biblical Sites in Israel and Jordan

Average customer rating:

Excellent Take Along Book for Holy Land Tour
Not helpful for guided tours
A must have for pilgrim travel to Israel
AN OUTSTANDING WORK
Great Guide

How to Walk in the Footsteps of Jesus and the Prophets: A Scripture Reference Guide for Biblical Sites in Israel and Jordan
Hela Crown-Tamir
Manufacturer: Gefen Publishing House, Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 965229229X

Book Description

The purpose of How to Walk in the Footsteps of Jesus and the Prophets is to enable the Christian pilgrim and tourist to look up a Biblical site quickly in its alphabetical form, read the Biblical references, and travel to the sites throughout Israel and the Kingdom of Jordan.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Take Along Book for Holy Land Tour.......2007-09-26

This is a MUST HAVE with you when you tour the Holy Land..either by yourself or with a group. Keep the book with you as you travel the Holy Land. In it the author tells you a short historical description and more importantly gives you Bible verses where it is mentioned in the Bible so that you can really get into the meaning and feelings of the Holy Land. The book is set up in alphabetical order by the name of the locations... very easy to follow and locate your area. I highly recommend this book as a carry along book on your trip to the Holy Land. It will add more meaning and insight into the experience.

Not helpful for guided tours.......2007-02-04

I recently returned from a trip to Israel and I had purchased this book before the trip as a guide. I never opened the book even once 1) because we had an excellent tour guide, and 2) because it includes way more places than what is necessary. The information in the book is quality but if you are going with a tour I wouldn't bother with it. If you are exploring on your own I would recommend it. I would like to see maps in this book to show where these locations are and perhaps organized by region rather than just alphabetically. If you want a great resource to take with you purchase the "DK Eyewitness Guide of Jerusalem and the Holy Land." I thoroughty enjoyed it.

A must have for pilgrim travel to Israel.......2005-08-16

This is a wonderful little book that contains scriptural references for virtually all of the traditional Christian sites in Israel. It is invaluable to take along when viewing the various religious sites so that their biblical mention can be easily found and read. When I lead tours to the Holy Land, this book is one of three that I advise visitors to consider taking with them (the others are, "Holy Land" by Jerome Murphy-O'Connor, and "The Millennium Guide for Pilgrims to the Holy Land", by James H. Charlesworth.

AN OUTSTANDING WORK.......2000-06-19

As a traveller to the land of Israel twelve times I have been privileged to see first rate the expertise that went into the pages of this book and I have had many positve comments from those I have shared the book with. A preacher's son describes the part on the "Ark of The Covenant" as an exceptional writing done by an expert in her field. The book is a must for anyone going to the Holyland.

Great Guide.......2000-01-18

This is a handy little guide book that could travel with you as you visit the sites mentioned. It lists the history of each place and other interesting facts. It has several useful lists of information at the back of the book. Mrs. Crown-Tamir knows her stuff and has put together a useful, inexpensive guide. I found myself wishing for a large foldout map to see all the places named, however that would probably make the book too expensive.

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

Average customer rating:

Great Guide
Invaluable
The Real Da Vinci Code!
Unique guide for archaeology minded traveler to Israel
An excellent guide for the layman.

The Holy Land: An Oxford Archaeological Guide from Earliest Times to 1700 (Oxford Archaeological Guides)
Jerome Murphy-O'Connor
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0192880136

Amazon.com

This book is an excellent choice for visitors to the Holy Land who want to take an in-depth look at the area's historical sites. Among this Oxford guide's special features are 150 site plans, maps, diagrams, and photographs; routes through the Old City of Jerusalem; a brief historical outline; and a glossary of essential terms. Oxford Archeological Guides: The Holy Land is also a useful source of practical advice on museum hours, suggested dress, travel and lodging contacts, as well as information on visiting desert locations such as the Judaean Desert and the hills of Elat.

The first half of the book covers sites in the city of Jerusalem, grouping them into areas for easy exploration. Maps accompany each site described. The second half of the book features an alphabetical listing--from Abu Ghosh to Yehiam--of key sites scattered throughout the Holy Land. Each site includes a reference to its position on the "Israel Touring Map" (available at bookstores in Israel), and especially recommended sites are starred or double-starred.

As an added bonus to this edition, more than 70 shaded sidebars offer a mini-anthology of ancient texts. "Not only do such documents illustrate the sort of material on which our historical knowledge is based, but their vividness and immediacy give a new dimension to the sites," writes author Murphy-O'Connor. --Kathryn True

Book Description

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.

Customer Reviews:

Great Guide.......2007-09-24

Very informative with good descriptions. The language is a little difficult to interpret at times and I wish there was a little more history with each site, but overall a great guide.

Invaluable.......2007-05-16

Recommended to me by an archaeolgist long active in Israel, I found this book quite helpful in appreciating a number of sites (and sights) I recently visited (and saw) in the Holy Land. For folks who are looking to learn more about various ancient sites than the typical tour guide can offer, this will be well worth its price. In addition to its being informative, I found the personality of its author evident and engaging.

The Real Da Vinci Code!.......2005-01-02

If you really want to separate the wheat from the chaff - this is the way to begin.

In this book, Jerome Murphy-O'Connor will take you behind the hidden doors, under the altars, down secret stairways and forgotten streets on an amazing adventure. It's not a lesson in theology - you have to bring your own. It's a guide to what can be seen, what can be touched with your hand.

With all the digging that's been going on since this book has been published, I'm eagerly looking forward to an updated edition.

Unique guide for archaeology minded traveler to Israel.......2002-12-16

Unique guide for archaeology minded traveler

The little known Oxford Archaeological Guides series provides information that you cannot find elsewhere This guide was written by Jerome Murphy-O'Connor in 1980 and was revised for the new Oxford Archaeological guides series in 1997 as the initial offering of the series. O'Connor provides a wealth of information here that you wont find in regular guidebooks. The topic of biblical archaeology is too large to be addressed by any one book. The author squeezes all he can into less than 500 pages. The section dealing with Jerusalem is most detailed. Outlying sites receive less attention. There is useful information about hours of operation and practical matters such as directions to remote sites. In addition to describing the various areas of interest, there are sections giving the history of the different peoples of the holy land, both historical and present day including sections on the Druze, the Philistines, the Samaritans, the Essenes and the Nabateans. There is a good attention here to changes over time with an emphasis on how the appearance of each site evolved over the years. Interesting comparisons are made with the condition of sites in the present day and their description in ancient texts including Josephus' "The Jewish War" and the Bible itself. This book would be inadequate as the only guidebook for a visit to Israel. I would recommend the Knopf Guide to the Holy Land and Baedeker Israel for routine tourist information. Some minor drawbacks: the drawings and maps are not as detailed as they could be and the few photographs that are provided are black and white and of poor quality. These complaints are not critical flaws; the book would still be invaluable even if it didn't contain a single illustration.

An excellent guide for the layman........2000-05-31

We recently returned from two weeks in Israel where we traveled around on our own with this book and the Lonely Planet Guide. Our trip would have been much poorer without The Holy Land. The strength of the book is its description of almost every ancient site of interest in Israel with line maps of the present structures and historical descriptions of the sites. The author includes quotes from ancient historians and medieval pilgrims as well as citations to the Bible. He approaches all the sites with respect but does not hesitate to call the authenticity of some sites into question when the historical or archaeological evidence does not support it. He points out that greater faith can be placed in the Christian sites where there was evidence of pre-Constantinian veneration, before the questions of pilgrims "excited the imaginations of local guides." For me this makes the more credible sites such as the Holy Sepulchre and the house of Peter even more moving.

Book Description

Nearly two-thirds of the New Testament--including all of the letters of Paul, most of the book of Acts, and the book of Revelation--is set outside of Israel, in either Turkey or Greece. Although biblically-oriented tours of the areas that were once ancient Greece and Asia Minor have become increasingly popular, up until now there has been no definitive guidebook for these important sites. In A Guide to Biblical Sites in Greece and Turkey, two well-known, well-traveled biblical scholars offer a fascinating historical and archaeological guide to these sites. The authors reveal countless new insights into the biblical text while reliably guiding the traveler through every significant location mentioned in the Bible. The book completely traces the journeys of the Apostle Paul across Turkey (ancient Asia Minor), Greece, Cyprus, and all the islands of the Mediterranean. A description of the location and history of each site is given, followed by an intriguing discussion of its biblical significance. Clearly written and in non-technical language, the work links the latest in biblical research with recent archaeological findings. A visit to the site is described, complete with easy-to-follow walking directions, indicating the major items of archaeological interest. Detailed site maps, historical charts, and maps of the regions are integrated into the text, and a glossary of terms is provided. Easy to use and abundantly illustrated, this unique guide will help visitors to Greece, Turkey, and Cyprus to appreciate the rich history, significance, and great wonder of the ancient world of the Bible.

Customer Reviews:

Well researched, user friendly, but with lacunae.......2007-06-19

This guide to the biblical sites in Greece and Turkey is the product of many long travels (more than 10,000 miles just in Turkey alone) and first hand visits to the sites it covers. It is written in prose that is easy to read, has a helpful glossary of archeological and cultural terms not commonly used in daily life(such as agora, chiton, or megaron), an index, maps, charts, and lots of photographs taken by the authors. It gives information on the location of the site in question (e.g., "The site of ancient Pergamum is scattered in and around the modern town of Bergama"), its history ("According to the geographer Strabo, the earliest inhabitants of Ephesus were a group of peoples called Leleges and Carians,"), its biblical significance ("Derbe was one of the cities visited by Paul and Barnabas during their first missionary journey,"), and a step by step coverage of what a site visit is like (so that it pays to have the book open as you are walking through a place like Sardis, for example).

For the sites covered, the authors get very high marks. Their book is as good as it gets.

However, there are gaps in their coverage, especially in eastern Turkey. Time and again I found myself frustrated while traveling through eastern Turkey as I wanted to read about the biblical sites I was seeing and all I found was...nothing. No coverage is given to Mt. Ararat nor any space taken to talk about the different theories about where Noah's Ark might have landed (or the modern search for it - a real growth industry). No coverage is given to the Tigris River, the Euphrates River, or to discussion about the importance of the land between the rivers: Mesopotamia. (The Garden of Eden has always been associated with this region, not to mention much of the great action in the Old Testament.) Carchemish is not covered (either historically or biblically) and Harran is only mentioned long enough to say it won't be covered in the book. These places didn't even show up on the otherwise thorough map the authors made of prominant biblical sites in Turkey: the eastern part of their map is notable for its lacunae. I also found it curious that no bibliography was included in the book. Moreover, several names that appear in bold print in the text (presumably in bold print because they were significant people) fail to show up in the index (e.g., Alyattes, Amyntas, Androclus). It should also be noted that their attempts to describe some of the museums they went to resulted in errors (e.g., they got their rooms mixed up in describing the Antalya Museum and will confuse the reader if they try to use this guide while touring the museum).

In short, this is an excellent book with some disappointing lacunae in coverage. If you plan to tour the biblical sites of both Greece and Turkey, by all means buy this book: you won't be disappointed. If you plan to tour only western Turkey (where most tour companies work) then certainly this book will meet your needs. If you plan to tour any part of eastern Turkey, however, I do not recommend this book. Instead, I recommend Everett C. Blake and Anna G. Edmonds' book "Biblical Sites in Turkey". This book gives fine coverage of all the western Turkey sites while also covering the eastern Turkey sites not covered in Fant & Reddish's book. Moreover, it discusses The Seven Churches of Revelation (which oddly doesn't receive formal coverage or even appear in a chart in the appendix of Fant & Reddish's book), it covers many sites important for church history not covered in Fant & Reddish's book (Urfa (Edessa), Van, Mesopotamia, Istanbul, Gordion, Nicea, etc.), has color photos, suggested tours, a bibliography, is 184 pages long, and was last updated in 2005. To sum, go with the Fant & Reddish book for Greece and western Turkey and the Blake & Edmonds' book for eastern Turkey.

The Most Relevant Available.......2004-10-20

I have led 5 study tours to Turkey and Greece (University students and adult learners). I like this book so much that all the participants bring it along. Group members then read about the sites we will vist the night before and with the information supplied by F&R they are primed and well prepared for the next day.

The book is oriented toward biblical sites and the commentary and maps are very very helpful (I believe the best summary available). But for important non-biblical sites, such at Aspendos, Didyma, Troy (in Turkey) and Delphi, Olympia, Mycenae (in Greece) the book has little or no information. Also, travelers will want to consult other guide books, I like the Neos set, for important/essential non-biblical information on the countries of Turkey and Greece-classical matters, religion, politics, daily life, etc.

Finally, F&R is also useful for University classes in New Testament studies as it provides numerous insights to places mentioned there.

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Biblical sites in Turkey
Everett C Blake
Manufacturer: Redhouse Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: B0006EFNFC

Book Description

A comprehensive, historical look at biblical sites in Turkey, with extensive illustrations.

Every Pilgrim's Guide to the Journeys of the Apostles: Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, Italy, Lebanon, Malta, Syria and the Holy Land (Every Pilgrim's Guides in the Footsteps of the Apostles)

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Every Pilgrim's Guide to the Journeys of the Apostles: Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, Italy, Lebanon, Malta, Syria and the Holy Land (Every Pilgrim's Guides in the Footsteps of the Apostles)
Michael Counsell
Manufacturer: Canterbury Press Norwich
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1853114448

Qumran In Context: Reassessing The Archaeological Evidence

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This will challenge traditional views of Qumran

Qumran In Context: Reassessing The Archaeological Evidence
Yizhar Hirschfeld
Manufacturer: Hendrickson Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1565636120

Book Description

What if the Dead Sea Scrolls were not a product of an Essene Community at Qumran?

In this bold reassessment of the archaeological evidence of Qumran and other nearby first-century sites on the western shore of the Dead Sea, Professor Hirschfeld argues persuasively that Qumran is not the site of an Essene community hitherto thought to be responsible for the Dead Sea Scrolls.

Reassessing and marshalling the evidence (some of which was overlooked in earlier explanations of the site) with the skill of a detective reconstructing the scene of a crime, Hirschfeld reveals that Qumran was not the communal site of an impoverished and ascetic religious group, but the prosperous estate of an influential member of society. Bringing a new understanding to the textual evidence of the archaeology of the site during the Roman period as well as evidence from neighboring archaeological sites, Hirschfeld dramatically illustrates his arguments with more than 135 maps, archaeological drawings and reconstructions, as well as vivid photographs of the archaeological and geographic sites. A masterpiece of argument with lasting impact on our understanding of the origins of the Dead Sea Scrolls, this work will be discussed in academic circles for years to come and will be appreciated by all who are intrigued by the mysteries surrounding the ancient texts associated with Qumran. The implications of this new perspective for the scholarly understanding of the Dead Sea Scrolls are earth-shifting.

"Qumran is a complex and puzzling archaeological site that is generally associated with the Essenes and the Dead Sea Scrolls. Yizhar Hirschfeld, one of Israel's finest archaeologists, questions many assumptions that would make such an association necessary. By placing Qumran in a regional context Hirschfeld opens up other types of interpretative possibilities, and focuses in particular on the local economy and industries around the Dead Sea. This challenging study impresses by its clarity and methodological soundness. Hirschfeld proves himself adept at providing innovative answers to old questions. He uses his wide knowledge to show interesting parallels, provoking his readers to think about the site as the centre of an estate, as a complex of residential wings and industrial installations that he calls a `manor house', comparable to others in the region. This finely-illustrated and well-argued text will undoubtedly cause much debate and is a welcome addition to Qumran research." —Joan E. Taylor, History Department, University College London.

"Hirschfeld's description of the archeology of Qumran is so different from the influential accounts of de Vaux and Magness that it is sure to be controversial. Even those who are not persuaded by his assertions will appreciate his knowledge of the Judean context and the fine collection of photographs included in this book." —John J. Collins, Holmes Professor of Old Testament, Yale University

Customer Reviews:

This will challenge traditional views of Qumran.......2005-08-09

In this well-written study Hirschfeld challenges the widely-accepted view that the buildings located at Qumran were occupied by Essenes and that the Dead Sea Scrolls found in the caves nearby were used and ultimately hidden there by members of that sect. After a careful analysis of the architectural remains and the artifacts found in association with them, Hirschfeld concludes that the earliest stage of construction may have been during the Hasmonean period (130-37 BCE), perhaps incorporating Iron Age structures about which little can be known. The buildings are understood to be a small fort and associated road station intended to control the important road leading from Jerusalem to the southeastern regions of the kingdom. In the Herodian period (37 BCE-68 CE) the earlier buildings became the core of a large manor house occupied by inhabitants engaged in extensive agricultural production. The remains at nearby ‛Ein Feshkha are seen as a part of this elaborate estate. The estate was destroyed in the First Jewish Revolt (66-70 CE) and a small Roman fortress, perhaps later used by rebels in the Bar Kochba rebellion, was erected at this site. After 135 CE Qumran seems to have been abandoned. In keeping with this assessment of the evidence, Hirschfeld suggests that the Dead Sea Scrolls were not Essene documents but rather part of an extensive library, maintained by the Sadducean community in Jerusalem and preserved by hiding the scrolls, on the eve of the First Jewish Revolt, in caves located near the manor house at Qumran. This book is well-written, well-documented and superbly illustrated with more than 135 maps, drawings and photographs. Anyone seriously interested in the Dead Sea Scrolls or in Jewish/Roman history in the Hellenistic and Roman periods should read this book.

Fodor's Israel, 4th Edition: The Complete Guide with Biblical Sites, Desert Adventures and Seaside Resorts (Fodor's Gold Guides)

Average customer rating:

Recent Gide to Israel
A Good Place to Start

Fodor's Israel, 4th Edition: The Complete Guide with Biblical Sites, Desert Adventures and Seaside Resorts (Fodor's Gold Guides)
Fodor's
Manufacturer: Fodor's
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0679000976
Release Date: 1999-03-30

Book Description

Experienced and first-time travelers alike rely on Fodor's Gold Guides for rich, reliable coverage the world over. Smart travel tips and important contact info make planning your trip a breeze, and detailed coverage of sights, accommodations, and restaurants give you the info you need to make your experience enriching and hassle-free. If you only have room for one guide, this is the one for you.

The best guide to Israel, packed with essentials
Inspired walks in ancient Jerusalem, cosmopolitan Tel Aviv, Jaffa, and Haifa -- plus scenic drives to biblical sites
Outdoor expeditions, from snorkeling near Eilat to hiking the hills of Galilee and the canyons of the Negev Desert
Best beaches on the Mediterranean and the Red Sea
Souks and shops for jewelry, fashion, and religious items
Iraeli music -- classical, jazz, folk, and techno

Where to stay and eat, no matter what your budget
Sleek high-rises, historic inns, beach resorts, spas, kibbutz guest houses, rugged hostels, country hidaways
Middle Eastern cafés and vegetarian classics, steak houses and fish houses, trattorias, French Charmers, and cozy roadhouses

Fresh, thorough, practical -- off and on the beaten path
Costs, hours, descriptions, and tips by the thousands
All reviews based on visits by savvy writer-residents

31 pages of maps -- and dozens of great features
Smart travel tips
Fodor's Choice
What's Where
Pleasures & Pastimes
New & Noteworthy
Complete index

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Recent Gide to Israel.......2007-01-21

We visited Israel for 15 days in December 2006 and had a wonderful time. In all honesty, I prefered the Frommers Guide to Israel better. It is more candid and it told us about terrific restaurants and hotels. I also preferred the descriptions of the important sites to see.

A Good Place to Start.......1999-05-19

We took a trip to Israel and, before we left, we bought a copy of Fodor's Israel. It was an excellent resource. Even though we had a relative making reservations for us in Jerusalem, the guide was a lifesaver when we headed to Eilat.

Cities of the Biblical World: An Introduction to the Archaeology, Geography, and History of Biblical Sites

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Cities of the Biblical World: An Introduction to the Archaeology, Geography, and History of Biblical Sites
Lamoine F. Devries
Manufacturer: Hendrickson Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1565631455

Book Description

This text is designed to introduce students of the Bible to the archaeology, geography, and history of many of the important sites of the Old and New Testament worlds. Many of these sites were centers for trade, religion, defense, culture, industry, and government. DeVries details the development of significant sites from villages and towns to cities, based on how the site could meet the essential needs of the people. The availability of water or arable land, proximity to trade routes, and easily defensible terrain were prime factors in determining a city's prominence. This study concentrates on the cities in Mesopotamia, Aram/Syria and Phoenicia, Anatolia, Egypt, and Palestine during the Old Testament period, and Palestine and the provinces of the Roman world during the New Testament period. Special attention is given to the geographical setting of the city, the history of its development, its relevance to the Bible, its distinguishing features, and any significant archaeological discoveries made at the site.

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great coffee-table book on Sinai

Sinai: The Site and the History
Morsi Saad El-Din
Manufacturer: NYU Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0814722032
Release Date: 1998-02-01

Book Description

The Sinai peninsula--a fabled triangle of land squeezed between Africa and Asia--harbors a rich deposit of cultural history. For many centuries, Sinai has served as a pivotal transit station, a lively route of caravans, armies, missionaries, and pilgrimages, and a military shield for Egypt. Sinai is also known as the crossroads of the world's three major religions: the site of Moses' exodus, it has subsequently been the entry point for Christianity's and Islam's spread into Africa and Asia.

Formerly isolated from the Egyptian mainland, Sinai is today poised on the threshold of new era. After regaining Sinai from Israel, Egypt encouraged Sinai's integration with the motherland, emphasizing its potential for tourism. Sinai: The Site and the History accordingly provides a point of reference from which this land can be discovered and rediscovered.

The work of a distinguished group of journalists and scholars, with over 60 stunning color photographs, Sinai provides a comprehensive picture of the region: its breathtaking geography, its remarkable secular and religious history, and the culture and customs of its Bedouin peoples.

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great coffee-table book on Sinai.......2000-06-15

The six essays contained in the book are each written by different scholars. The writers highlight in turn the wonderous history of their particular subject area. Morsi Saad el-Din discusses the splendor, the beauty of Sinai; Gamal Mokhtar, its history; Fouad Iskandar, the topography of the land and its environmental conditions; Gawdat Gabra, its religion and heritage; Samir Sobhi, the desert; and Ayman Taher, the underwater world. Beautiful photographs by Ayman Taher and Luciano Romano accompany each essay. This great coffee-table book brings to light a little-known part of Egypt : the Sinai.

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