The Holy Land (The Ancient World)

Rating:
Summary: A helpful synthesis of big picture and the details
Review: A valuable reference tool for Sunday School teachers or any student of the intertwined political and religious events in first century Palestine. The book spans the period beginning with Herod the Great and ending with the destruction of the Jewish nation by the Romans. It is facinating to see how Herod changes loyalties among wives, benefactors, and potential succesors as often as he changes sandals. Connolly also gives us much detail about the rulers who followed Herod. This book is written from a secular perspective, but students of the Bible will gain insights into the political events surrounding the lives of Jesus and his followers. One can find heavenly humor in the irony that Jesus was born in Bethlehem, within sight of of a mountaintop fortress Herod built only a few miles to the South. Those interested in the history, geography, and topography of this period will not be disappointed. I purchased my first copy in Jerusalem to help me locate ancient places within the modern setting. Connolly's descriptions of seiges at Jerusalem and Masada give a clear picture of weapons and tactics of a Roman army. The illustrations are very detailed and a few are a bit gory. The vocabulary, complexity of sentences and assumed level of knowledge make this book more suited to adult readers. I've given several to fellow teachers. A 9 - 12 year-old might enjoy the pictures, but very few will comprehend all the nuances.

Rating:
Summary: A helpful synthesis of big picture and the details
Review: A valuable reference tool for Sunday School teachers or any student of the intertwined political and religious events in first century Palestine. The book spans the period beginning with Herod the Great and ending with the destruction of the Jewish nation by the Romans. It is facinating to see how Herod changes loyalties among wives, benefactors, and potential succesors as often as he changes sandals. Connolly also gives us much detail about the rulers who followed Herod. This book is written from a secular perspective, but students of the Bible will gain insights into the political events surrounding the lives of Jesus and his followers. One can find heavenly humor in the irony that Jesus was born in Bethlehem, within sight of of a mountaintop fortress Herod built only a few miles to the South. Those interested in the history, geography, and topography of this period will not be disappointed. I purchased my first copy in Jerusalem to help me locate ancient places within the modern setting. Connolly's descriptions of seiges at Jerusalem and Masada give a clear picture of weapons and tactics of a Roman army. The illustrations are very detailed and a few are a bit gory. The vocabulary, complexity of sentences and assumed level of knowledge make this book more suited to adult readers. I've given several to fellow teachers. A 9 - 12 year-old might enjoy the pictures, but very few will comprehend all the nuances.

Rating:
Summary: Throw away textbook versions...
Review: How I wish this book or ones like it were available to me as a textbook when I was in school. It certainly kept my interest piqued and explained it simply to the average reader not only through the verbage but with helpful informative illustrations.
I hope not only the Sunday school teachers mentioned in the aforementioned review before mine, but teachers in the school system consider this book a supplement to their textbooks. Use it for enrichment, folks!
I find it most beneficial to picture the scenario in my mind and here it was all spelled out and illustrated right before my very eyes. I cannot say enough about this book! I am sure if those students who dislike or did not understand history had more books available in this manner, there would be less students who "did not understand" the history lesson.
I am a librarian and I purchased it for the library in which I am employed. We received it afew days ago. What a worthwhile investment!!!
I could go "on and on" as I finished the book less than fifteen minutes ago. I could not put it down. Peruse a copy, yourself, and you will be glad that you did!

Rating:
Summary: Throw away textbook versions...
Review: How I wish this book or ones like it were available to me as a textbook when I was in school. It certainly kept my interest piqued and explained it simply to the average reader not only through the verbage but with helpful informative illustrations.
I hope not only the Sunday school teachers mentioned in the aforementioned review before mine, but teachers in the school system consider this book a supplement to their textbooks. Use it for enrichment, folks!
I find it most beneficial to picture the scenario in my mind and here it was all spelled out and illustrated right before my very eyes. I cannot say enough about this book! I am sure if those students who dislike or did not understand history had more books available in this manner, there would be less students who "did not understand" the history lesson.
I am a librarian and I purchased it for the library in which I am employed. We received it afew days ago. What a worthwhile investment!!!
I could go "on and on" as I finished the book less than fifteen minutes ago. I could not put it down. Peruse a copy, yourself, and you will be glad that you did!