A superlative reference work against which the Bible & its stories can be fully appreciated & understood. The story of the Bible is also the story of the ancient Near East, the home of the first civilizations & scene of the clashes between the great empires of Egypt, the Hittites, Assyria & Babylon. Records of this period are replete with wars, conquerors & exiles, the rise & fall of empires & the divisions of kingdoms, linking prophets, judges & kings & of course the life of Jesus himself. From the earliest evidence of mankind in Palestine, to the establishment of the kingdoms of Judah & Israel, the Jewish revolts against the Romans & the rise of the Christian Church, the whole of Biblical history in its geographical context is covered here. Richly illustrated with over 100 detailed maps & diagrams, & authoritative accompanying text, the content has been specially created to appeal to students, historians of religion & anyone with a passion for the period. It conveys a tangible sense of the l&, events & people portrayed in the world's most famous book, making it an outstanding work of reference.