Review by Choice Review
In this valuable work, Galor (Judaic studies, Brown) and Bloedhorn (independent scholar) provide the first detailed archaeological survey of Jerusalem covering its history from earliest times to the beginning of the 20th century. Following brief chapters introducing the history of research in Jerusalem and its geographic situation, 12 chapters cover the Chalcolithic and Early Bronze ages to the Ottoman period. These chapters include brief surveys of documentary evidence followed by descriptions of fortifications, other major architectural features, and selected "distinctive finds." Unfortunately, by focusing on architecture and "distinctive finds," these surveys leave out other archaeological discoveries that might be of interest, such as evidence on daily life in the city. While the authors are to be commended for consciously avoiding the influence of religious and political biases, some mention of how such biases have influenced the conduct and reporting of archaeological research in Jerusalem would have been helpful. Well illustrated and thoroughly documented, the survey is written in a style appropriate for both general and more sophisticated readers, although the authors sometimes introduce technical architectural terms without explanation. Summing Up: Recommended. All levels/libraries. W. Kotter Weber State University
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
This chronological survey of Jerusalem's complex archaeology begins with a description of flint tools from the Chalcolithic period (fourth millennium B.C.E.) and ends with the Ottomans in 1917. As they guide readers through various archaeological periods, the authors-Galor is an expert in Judaic studies and architecture and Bloedhorn is an expert in the archeology of Jerusalem-lucidly identify distinctive ancient finds and explain their significance. An ancient Bronze Age water system shows how early settlement was made possible in this semiarid mountainous area. Jerusalem's destruction by the Babylonians in 586 B.C.E. is evident in layers of burnt remains uncovered in Iron Age dwellings. Well-preserved Hellenistic houses uncovered in Jerusalem's Jewish Quarter feature high-quality artistic flourishes that demonstrate the status of Jews living there before the destruction of the Second Temple. Marble statuettes of gods and board games possibly incised by soldiers on paving stones attest to the Roman occupation, Byzantine oil lamps with inscriptions about Christ's light confirm a Christian presence, and the Mamluk-built Aqsa Mosque demonstrates Jerusalem's significance to Islam. Although authoritative from an archaeological standpoint and generously illustrated, the dry narrative is neither suitable for a wider, nonprofessional audience nor does it enliven the historical anecdotes. Illus. (Dec.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by Library Journal Review
Jerusalem has a long and complex history, perhaps unlike that of any other city. Three monotheistic cultures have coveted it, willing to sacrifice untold numbers of lives to claim it. Adding to and destroying at will, these cultures have left their mark through the many edifices they constructed. In this new work, Galor (Judaic studies, Brown Univ.) and independent scholar Bloedhorn coalesce the voluminous work of archaeologists over the past two centuries to reveal the rich cultural tapestry of this singular metropolis. The book is efficiently organized in a chronological manner with chapters devoted to every period from the Bronze Age to the Ottoman Period. The archaeological impact of each culture is neatly laid out in the text like so many carefully assembled building bricks. VERDICT Ultimately, what the authors sought from the outset is accomplished as they have constructed a great summary of how each cultural group has left a distinct legacy. Indeed, the lay reader will come to realize how much of history can be revealed by the foundations of buildings and the placement of defensive walls. Inspiring appreciation for all archaeological endeavors, this title is recommended for lay and academic readers.-Brian Renvall, -Mesalands Community Coll., Tucumcari, NM (c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
