to 70 a.d

From the beginnings to the Bar Kochba Revolt A.D. 135.

This is not an easy read.) Some of this information is out of date (the core of the book was written in the 1950s, and most recently updated in 1981). This book is a remarkable piece of scholarship. The revelations in the book are detailed, footnoted, and positively thrilling. It provides a tremendous way to re-examine the bible: as an historical document. Essentially, this book deconstructs the biblical text, and compares it to archeological evidence to give a fuller picture than the bible could have given on its own.

Tells the story of the Israelites and the creation of the world's first monotheistic religion.

Lots of questions crop up when you read the Bible. Matthews opens up the Biblical world, from the patriarchs to Roman Palestine.

Explores the social history of ancient Palestine and the emergence of major faiths during the time of Christ.

Studies the role of the Jews in the development of Western civilization, and credits the ancient Jewish people with setting the course for the way humanity thinks and feels even in the late twentieth century.

Examines the biblical narratives in their historical, social, archaeological, and mythological contexts and provides a section with a book-by-book summary of the Bible.