The Church of the Holy Sepulchre [Hardcover]

Martin Biddle (Author), Gideon Avni (Author), Jon Seligman (Author), Tamar Winter (Author), Michel Zabe (Photographer), Garo Nalbandian (Photographer)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 7, 2000

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is the most popular pilgrim destination in Christendom, and this gorgeously illustrated volume is the ultimate guide to the site. Produced in association with the Israel Antiquities Authority, The Church of the Holy Sepulchre covers the Church's history, its transformations, and the different Christian communities associated with it.

In 325-326 A.D., Christians looking for the site of Golgotha demolished the Temple of Aphrodite and found what they believed to be the Tomb of Christ. Emperor Constantine ordered the construction of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on the site. During a visit while the church was under construction, Empress Helena discovered what is believed to be the remains of the cross on which Christ was crucified in the same area. Consecrated in September of 335, the church has had a complex and fascinating history. It has fallen victim to fires, riots, lootings, earthquakes, and numerous attacks, from its first attack by the Persians in 614 to its almost complete destruction by King al-Hakim of Egypt in 1009. The church has always been restored and renovated, however, and additional buildings and modifications to the interior and exterior have made it a fascinatingly intricate complex. Today, it is a site of worship for six different denominations of Christianity, each with its own rites and rituals, and it remains a destination for innumerable pilgrims from all corners of the world.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Martin Biddle is a leading authority on the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. He is currently a professor of archeology at Hartford College, Oxford University.

Gideon Avni, John Seligman, and Tamar Winter, all archeologists at the Israel Antiquities Authority, are currently conducting a comprehensive study of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 260 pages
• Publisher: Rizzoli; 1st edition (July 7, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0847822826
• ISBN-13: 978-0847822829
• Product Dimensions: 12.1 x 9.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #415,301 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic book about the greatest church, October 18, 2000

By 

Chris Johnson - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Hardcover)

Some day I should like very much to visit Jerusalem. Until I do, I'll probably wear this book out.

This is a history of Christendom's holiest shrine, the church built over what was believed to be the site of Jesus' burial and resurrection. This book contains the church's complete history along with some of the most spectacular photography of the church, its various communities, and its ceremonies that I've ever seen.

Pricey, but I've never seen a better one. If you don't think you'll ever make a Jerusalem pilgramage, click on "Add to Shopping Cart" right now.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An important window on historical Christianity, July 8, 2004

By 

Nicholas Dujmovic (Vienna, Virginia) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Hardcover)

Every Christian with a sense of the sacred and also historical sense--and that should be every Christian--would benefit from this book. It is even better than I expected. The photos are as beautiful and moving as advertised. Especially good are the essays showing the continuity of understanding about the historicity of the site of Christ's tomb. The text also explains the various positions of the Christian churches with possession or rights within the Sepulchre/Resurrection complex. The book also does not shy from the embarrassing fact that ancient divisions within orthodox Christianity continue to this day. How wonderful it would be if these divisions could be put aside, especially in light of the current cultural and religious onslaught against Christians. I recommend that the book be ordered through Daedalus books (beware--Daedalus the book catalog, not the kinky publisher) because Daedalus has it in stock at a much reduced price.

5.0 out of 5 stars Church of Holy Sepulchre review, July 18, 2010

By 

B. Herlan "Barbara Herlan" (La Grange, Ga USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Hardcover)

Lovely book; good photographs,diagrams, etc. Contains written descriptions of parts of the building, and historical review.