The Archaeological encyclopedia of the Holy Land
Negev, AvrahamThis encyclopedia lists the majority of the geographical names mentioned in the Bible, both places in the
Holy Land and countries and cities in other parts of the Middle East, identifying them as far as possible,
describing the excavations that have been carried out at or near them, and analyzing the importance of
the finds they have yielded. As well as tracing their history in biblical times, the encyclopedia discusses
historical references to them in later periods up to the Arab conquest.
Three of the articles — Archaeology of the Holy Land, Archaeology: methods of research, and
Prehistory — are a valuable introduction to the encyclopedia. In addition there are several general
articles which provide a survey of specific aspects of the life and customs of the peoples of the Holy Land
and the surrounding areas in pre-biblical, biblical and post-biblical times, and thus complement the
information provided in the geographical entries. The following articles, which appear in their correct
alphabetical position in the encyclopedia, will be particularly useful background reading for anyone
who is unfamiliar with these periods: Agriculture, Baths and bathing, Burial, Cult objects, Embalming,
Flint tools,
Fortifications, Houses, Hunting and fishing, Inscriptions, Metals, Monasteries, Money,
Musical instruments, Palaces, Precious stones, Roads, Seals, Stone implements, Stores, Synagogues,
Trade, Water supply, Weapons and warfare, Weights and measures, and Writing materials.
Additional aids to the reader are to be found at the end of the book: they include an extensive glossary,
a chronological chart of prehistory and of historical events in biblical and post-biblical times, and some
information about the ancient sources which are frequently referred to in the text.
An asterisk (*) has been used throughout
this encyclopedia for cross-references and to draw the
reader's attention to other entries in which related subjects are discussed.