Author(s): Jean-Pierre Isbouts

Religion

This book traces the history of early Judaism, Christianity and Islam against the rich geographical canvas of the Ancient Near East. Written from a strictly non-denominational perspective, the book draws from the latest insights in archeology, paleo-anthropology, forensic science and biblical literature to narrate the fascinating story of how three great cultures originated from the same cradle in the Fertile Crescent. Throughout this narrative, Atlas places its storyline in the context of other major developments in Mesopotamia, Greece, Egypt, Persia, Rome, Byzantium and Arabia. Illustrated with detailed maps and beautiful photographs, the book also features numerous sidebars describing everyday life in each biblical period. These sidebars focus on trade, farming, flora and fauna, dress, food, marriage customs, childbirth and burial practice, as well as literature, the arts and architecture.Beginning with the origins of Abraham's family in the cradle of human civilization, the city of Ur in Sumeria., "The Biblical World" tracks the evolution of Judaism from Abraham through Jacob and Moses to the founding of the Unified Kingdom of Israel. The book then describes the emergence of Christianity in the context of Greco-Roman civilization, charts its development throughout the Byzantine empire, and identifies the unique circumstances which prepared for the rise of Islam. Dr. Isbouts supports his vibrant narrative with quotes from a range of sources from Antiquity as well as an amazing array of archeological material, including hieroglyphic and cuneiform texts, monuments and artifacts - from Mesopotamia to Egypt, from Byzantium to early Arabian art.The result is an objective and painstakingly researched history that, time and again, finds the corroboration of its main argument in archeological evidence, much of which has been uncovered and deciphered only in the last few decades. Dr. Isbouts supports his vibrant narrative with quotes from a range of sources from Antiquity as well as an amazing array of archeological material, including hieroglyphic and cuneiform texts, monuments and artifacts - from Mesopotamia to Egypt, from Byzantium to early Arabian art.