Contents

Chapters in this book

1. Frontmatter i
2. Preface vii
3. Acknowledgments xi
4. Contents xiii
5. List of Illustrations xix
6. List of Maps and Plans xxxiv
7. List of Abbreviations 1
8. Introduction 3
9. I. Mesopotamian Beginnings 9
10. II. The Panorama of Egypt 62
11. III. Penetrating the Past in Palestine 117
12. IV. Empires of Western Asia: Assyria, Chaldea and Persia 164
13. V. The Holy Land in the Time of Jesus 209
14. VI. Following Paul the Traveler 252
15. VII. Manuscripts Found in the Sand 305
16. VIII. Exploring the Catacombs and Studying the Sarcophagi 353
17. IX. The Story of Ancient Churches 399
18. Index of Scriptural References 461
19. General Index 467