Customer Reviews

Historical Atlas of Jerusalem

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This volume is the English language edition of the work originally published in Hebrew (Jerusalem: Carta, The Israel Map and Publishing Company, 2000) by the author. Meir Ben-Dov is one of the leading Israeli archaeologists and key advisor to the various ongoing excavations in Jerusalem.

The work blends a thematic and chronological approach to the history of the city of Jerusalem. The larger geographic setting of the city, in Israel and the even larger Fertile Crescent, is detailed along with the geographic and environmental features. The history of Jerusalem is then detailed from the Canaanite period to the modern era. This volume is richly (perhaps too richly in places) illustrated with photographs, maps and drawings (all black and white).

The strength of the text is the general survey of the material. The author excels at detailing the religious history of Jerusalem and the role the geographic location in Judaism, Islam and Christianity. Also receiving excellent coverage is the role of the European powers, beginning with the French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte and ending with General Edmund Allenby and the British, and their efforts to gain control of the city and the surround region. This work is not without its weaknesses however. While he ably defends his maximalist view of the boundaries of Jerusalem after Nehemiah's rebuilding (85-88) vis a vis the minimalist view of Michael Avi-Yonah and the intermediate view of Raphael Grafman; he entirely ignores the discussion of the various theories related to the location of the Temple and the Holy of Holies on the Temple Mount. Given the author's discussion of Jewish, Islamic and Christian interest in the city, a brief discussion of prophetic views as to the future of Jerusalem would also have been useful.

The flaws in this book are minor and for the beginning student or those interested in a survey of the history of Jerusalem and an introduction to the basic historical and cultural geography of the city this book is recommended.

This book tells the history of jerusalem from ancient to modern times.It Is very Informative and has many photos and paintings that add to the text.This Is a good reference for any one who wishes to know about the world in which the bible characters lived In.

I am not an archaeologist and do not know enough about the developments Ben- Dov traces to know how accurate his descriptions of the various periods of Jerusalem architecture are. I do not know the book is rich in information, clearly illustrated and in relation to those times I know something about, such as the Teddy Kollel period in the building of a new Jerusalem the work seems reliable.

Though some have complained that the illustrations are not glitzy, glossy enough for the price of the book I found the illustrations graphically clear and helpful.

I do however have a 'political' argument with Ben Dov. He relates to the Jewish historical connection to the Temple Mount, but dismisses the desire to renew the connection in our time. He determines that the City will eventually be re-divided, and seems to favor that solution. He does not give any weight to the idea that the Temple Mount which is the heart of Jerusalem, the center of centers should be accessible to those of all faiths. He seems unbothered by the fact that the Muslim Wafq has exclusive control of this area. He does not even consider the implication of Israel failing to live up to its promise to post- sixty- seven have the holiest places open to all faiths. Its discrimination against itself and its own citizens is a bizaare and harmful practice.

Great book. Answered all the questions I need for writing my next paranormal mystery book, The Holy Relic. Can't thank you enough for a book that was in pristine condition and arrived in a timely manner. Many thanks!