New Testament Background

Drawing on the most recent, groundbreaking archaeological research, Eric M. Meyers and Mark A. Chancey re-narrate the history of ancient Palestine in this richly illustrated and expertly integrated book. Spanning from the conquest of Alexander the Great in the fourth century BCE until the reign of the Roman emperor Constantine in the fourth century CE, they synthesize archaeological evidence with ancient literary sources (including the Bible) to offer a sustained overview of the tumultuous intellectual and religious changes that impacted world history during the Greco-Roman period. The authors demonstrate how the transformation of the ancient Near East under the influence of the Greeks and then the Romans led to foundational changes in both the material and intellectual worlds of the Levant. Palestine's subjection to Hellenistic kingdoms, its rule by the Hasmonean and Herodian dynasties, the two disastrous Jewish revolts against Rome, and its full incorporation into the Roman Empire provide a background for the emergence of Christianity. The authors observe in the archaeological record how Judaism and Christianity were virtually undistinguishable for centuries, until the rise of imperial Christianity with Emperor Constantine. The only book-length overview available that focuses on the archaeology of Palestine in this period, this comprehensive and powerfully illuminating work sheds new light on the lands of the Bible.

"Archaeology and the Bible" examines new developments in archaeological finds in the Near East, particularly Palestine, that are related to the Bible. Newer field methodologies, regional surveys and creative syntheses have all had an impact on traditional approaches to looking at these discoveries. John C. H. Laughlin examines these new developments and discusses what they imply for biblical studies.

This book challenges readers to consider whether archaeology explains the Bible. Archaeology and the Bible examines new developments in archaeological finds in the Near East, particularly Palestine, that are related to the Bible. New methodologies, regional surveys and creative syntheses have all had an impact on traditional approaches to looking at these discoveries. John Laughlin examines these new developments and discusses what they imply for biblical studies.

The Archeology of the New Testament is the authoritative illustrated account of what is presently known about the chief sites and monuments connected with the life of Jesus and the history of the early church. To follow the order of the New Testament, it first investigates sites connected with John the Baptist and then proceeds to Bethlehem and Nazareth, Samaria and Galilee, Jerash, Caesarea, Jericho, the Mount of Olives, Jerusalem, and Emmaus. Each site is illustrated, and the accompanying text, numbered to facilitate cross-reference, contains a bibliography. This edition has been completely revised to reflect the most recent scholarship and excavations, and it contains many new entries. Anyone concerned with the historical, geographical, and cultural background of the New Testament will want to study this classic work as it retraces the steps of Jesus. "The definitive handbook. Finegan's comprehensive treatment of almost every problem in the field of New Testament archeology as well as his judicious evaluation of the evidence makes this book indispensable to every serious student of the Bible."--The New York Times Book Review Originally published in 1993. The Princeton Legacy Library uses the latest print-on-demand technology to again make available previously out-of-print books from the distinguished backlist of Princeton University Press. These editions preserve the original texts of these important books while presenting them in durable paperback and hardcover editions. The goal of the Princeton Legacy Library is to vastly increase access to the rich scholarly heritage found in the thousands of books published by Princeton University Press since its founding in 1905.

Public interest in biblical archaeology is at an all-time high, as television documentaries pull in millions of viewers to watch shows on the Exodus, the Ark of the Covenant, and the so-called Lost Tomb of Jesus. Important discoveries with relevance to the Bible are made virtually everyyear--during 2007 and 2008 alone researchers announced at least seven major discoveries in Israel, five of them in or near Jerusalem. Biblical Archaeology offers a passport into this fascinating realm, where ancient religion and modern science meet, and where tomorrow's discovery may answer a riddlethat has lasted a thousand years.Archaeologist Eric H. Cline here offers a complete overview of this exciting field. He discusses the early pioneers, such as Sir William Matthew Flinders Petrie and William Foxwell Albright, the origins of biblical archaeology as a discipline, and the major controversies that first promptedexplorers to go in search of objects and sites that would "prove" the Bible. He then surveys some of the most well-known biblical archaeologists, including Kathleen Kenyon and Yigael Yadin, the sites that are essential sources of knowledge for biblical archaeology, such as Hazor, Megiddo, Gezer,Lachish, Masada, and Jerusalem, and some of the most important discoveries that have been made, including the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Mesha Inscription, and the Tel Dan Stele. Subsequent chapters examine additional archaeological finds that shed further light on the Hebrew Bible and New Testament,the issue of potential frauds and forgeries, including the James Ossuary and the Jehoash Tablet, and future prospects of the field.Biblical Archaeology: A Very Short Introduction captures the sense of excitement and importance that surrounds not only the past history of the field but also the present and the future, with fascinating new discoveries made each and every season.

Many of our religious beliefs are based on faith alone, but archaeology gives the opportunity to find evidence about what really happened in the distant past-evidence that can have a dramatic impact on what and how we believe. Join celebrated archaeologist and rabbi Richard Fruend as he takes readers through digs he has led in the Holy Land, searching for evidence about key biblical characters and events. Digging Through the Bible presents overviews of the evidence surrounding figures such as Moses, Kings David and Solomon, and Mary the mother of Jesus, as well as new information that can help us more fully understand the life and times in which these people would have lived. Freund also presents new evidence about finding the grave of the Teacher of Righteousness mentioned in the Dead Sea Scrolls, and gives a compelling argument about how the Exodus of the Israelites may have taken place in three separate waves over time, rather than in a single event as presented in the Bible. In addition to discussing some of the greatest Biblical controversies of our day, Freund provides a compelling discussion of how to understand these debates and how much information is necessary to form new conclusions about the past. An engaging introduction to the practice of Biblical archaeology, Digging Through the Bible shares information about the Holy Land that can provide a powerful connection between past history and present faith.

Archaeology is a subject that fascinates us. From Egyptian tombs to a frozen Alpine wayfarer, from cities buried under volcanic ash to stone arrow heads turned up by the plow, archaeology is in the news and in our backyards. It is paradoxical that a subject that so easily captures the imagination is so difficult for the serious layman to access. Superficial media treatments and picture-book atlases and site guides on the one hand, jargon-heavy scholarly books and narrowly focused articles on the other-there are few ways to learn about the real world of archaeology outside the college classroom or the dig site. The Encyclopedia of Archaeology changes this, in making all aspects of archaeology accessible to a broad audience of the general scientific community, educators, students, and avocational archaeologists. Professional archaeologists and anthropologists will also find the encyclopedia a ready source of up-to-date information on specialities outside their own expertise. The Encyclopedia of Archaeology encompasses all aspects of archaeology, including the nature and diversity of archaeology as a scientific discipline, the practice of archaeology, archaeology in the everyday world, and the future of the discipline. Featured in the Encyclopedia of Archaeology are articles by leading authors that summarize archaeological knowledge at the beginning the 21st century, highlighting important sites and issues, and tracing the development of prehistoric cultures around the globe. No existing work provides the breadth and depth of coverage as the Encyclopedia of Archaeology. Also available online via ScienceDirect (2007) - featuring extensive browsing, searching, and internal cross-referencing between articles in the work, plus dynamic linking to journal articles and abstract databases, making navigation flexible and easy. For more information, pricing options and availability visit www.info.sciencedirect.com. The first and only reference work to cover all elements of archaeology, over 280 articles have been specifically commissioned for this reference work Distinguished Editorial Board headed by Editor-in-Chief Professor Deborah Pearsall, University of Missouri, along with many other prominent scientists serving as editorial advisors Breadth and depth of coverage ensures that professional archaeologists will find the Encyclopedia a ready source of up-to-date information on specialties outside their own expertise Each article has been reviewed to ensure accuracy, comprehensiveness, and up-to-date content Articles are written to be accessible to the educated general public with jargon-free presentation of subjects Beautiful 4-color photography and informational figures throughout Topics are arrange A-Z for easy reference Geographic overview articles are grouped by continent or region to allow easy reference Glossary entries explain key terms Further Reading lists appear at the end of each entry

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 through 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 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 appreciate the rich history, significance, and great wonder of the ancient world of the Bible.

Geography of the Levant / Barry J. Beitzel -- Paleoenvironments of the Levant / Arlene Miller Rosen -- Archaeozoology / Paula Wapnish and B. Hesse -- Paleoethnobotany / Peter Warnock -- Method and theory in Syro-Palestinian archaeology / John S. Holladay, Jr. -- Bible and archaeology / Walter E. Rast -- Levantine archaeology / Thomas W. Davis -- Text sources for Levantine archaeology : the Bible / J. Maxwell Miller -- Writing and scripts (with special reference to the Levant) / Gary A. Rendsburg -- Semitic languages (with special reference to the Levant) / Gary A. Rendsburg -- Writing : the archaeology of writing (writing materials) / Alan Millard -- Northwest Semitic epigraphic sources / Alan Millard -- Chronology of the Southern Levant / William G. Dever -- Survey of preclassical architecture in the Levant / G.R.H. Wright -- Bronze and iron age burials and funerary customs in the Southern Levant / Elizabeth Bloch-Smith -- Subsistence pastoralism / Øystein S. Labianca -- Agriculture / David C. Hopkins -- Roads and highways / David A. Dorsey -- Nautical archaeology in the Eastern Mediterranean / Deborah N. Carlson -- Ethnography/ethnoarchaeology / Gloria London -- Ethnicity and material culture / Gloria London -- Women in the ancient Near East / Susan Ackerman -- Everyday life (customs, manners, and laws) / Victor H. Matthews -- Archaeological survey in the Southern Levant / E.B. Banning -- Restoration of ancient monuments : theory and practice / G.R.H. Wright -- Metalworking/mining in the Levant / James D. Muhly -- Weapons and warfare in ancient Syria-Palestine / Graham Philip -- Ceramics/kilns / Gloria London -- Jewelry in the Levant / Elizabeth E. Platt -- The mosaics of Jordan / Michele Piccirillo -- Numismatics (minting and monetary systems/coinage) in the Levant / Kevin Butcher -- Scarabs / William A. Ward -- GIS and archaeological survey / Gary L. Christopherson -- Computer applications in archaeology / E.B. Banning -- The paleolithic in Syria-Palestine / Geoffrey A. Clark and Nancy R. Coinman -- The neolithic period / Gary O. Rollefson -- Prehistoric chipped-stone technology / Gary O. Rollefson -- The chalcolithic of the Southern Levant / Thomas E. Levy -- The Nahal Mishmar hoard from the Judean desert / Miriam Tadmor -- Negev / Mordechai Haiman -- The early Bronze Age in the Southern Levant / Suzanne Richard -- Southern Sinai in the early Bronze Age II / Itzak Beit-Arieh -- Theory in archaeology : culture change at the end of the early Bronze Age / Jesse C. Long, Jr. -- Archaeology of the Dead Sea Plain in Jordan / Walter E. Rast -- The middle Bronze Age (circa 2000-1500 B.C.E.) / David Ilan -- Canaanite religion / Beth Alpert Nakhai -- The late Bronze Age / Albert Leonard, Jr. -- El-Amarna texts / Victor H. Matthews -- Trade and exchange in the Levant / Eric H. Cline -- The Iron Age in the Southern Levant / Randall W. Younker -- Religion and cult in the Levant / William G. Dever -- Goddesses / Susan Ackerman -- Syria-Palestine in the Persian period / Charles E. Carter -- The Samaritans / Terry Giles -- The Hellenistic period / Andrea M. Berlin -- Nabateans / David F. Graf -- Classical test sources in the Levant / David F. Graf -- Jewish art and iconography in the land of Israel / Rachel Hachlili -- Synagogues in the land of Israel / Steven Fine -- Golan synagogues / Zevi ʼUri Maʻoz -- Early Christian iconography / Linda Sue Galate -- Early Christian churches in Israel / Joseph Patrich.