TELEVISION
About
With a rich history stretching back over 3,000 years, the Holy Land is sacred for three major faiths and the setting for defining events in religious history. Historians have shed intriguing new light on our understanding of this area-and its powerful role in religious history. Comb through these remains for yourself and travel deep beneath the pages of the Bible.
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Episodes
1. The Land of Canaan
30m
What do we mean by "holy land"? What is the difference between archaeology and history? How reliable is the Hebrew Bible as a window into life in ancient Israel? Discover answers to these and other questions in this introductory episode, and take a peek at the region's earliest recorded inhabitants, the Canaanites.
2. The Arrival of the Israelites
30m
Explore what archaeologists have uncovered about the arrival of the Israelites into Canaan. Among the many intriguing artifacts you examine are an ancient Egyptian stele featuring the earliest reference to Israel, the remains of Jericho's walls, and a Philistine temple similar to the one Samson destroyed in the book of Judges.
3. Jerusalem- An Introduction to the City
30m
Here, survey the topography and layout of Jerusalem: perhaps the most important city in religious history. Then, review biblical accounts of Jerusalem from the arrival of David around 1000 B.C.E. to the start of the Babylonian exile in 586 B.C.E. (including the remains of a dramatic Assyrian siege on the city of Lachish).
4. The Jerusalem of David and Solomon
30m
In this first episode on the remains of the biblical City of David, comb through the fascinating remains of a scribe's house located behind a city wall; grasp the development of biblical Hebrew script; and examine rare examples of this script in a clay sealing, a piece of pottery, and a victory stele.
5. Biblical Jerusalem's Ancient Water Systems
30m
Continue your archaeological exploration of the City of David by focusing on its ancient water system, centered on the Gihon Spring. Learn about the three different water systems that were created: Warren's Shaft, Siloam Channel, and the impressive engineering feat of Hezekiah's Tunnel: due to the spring's location outside the city walls.
6. Samaria and the Northern Kingdom of Israel
30m
Turn now to Israel as it was ruled under the Omride dynasty between Solomon's death and the Assyrian invasion in 722 B.C.E. Here, explore important ruins, including the High Place at Dan (where the cult statue of a golden calf once resided) and the acropolis at Samaria (which holds the remains of King Ahab's palace).
7. Fortifications and Cult Practices
30m
Delve into aspects of everyday life in the kingdoms of ancient Israel. Focus on how elaborately recessed gates were designed to protect cities like Gezer from enemies, and how altars, amulets, painted figures, and inscribed pottery vessels reflect the religious beliefs and practices at Kuntillet Ajrud and other sites.
8. Babylonian Exile and the Persian Restoration
30m
In 539 B.C.E., after the Babylonians were subsumed by the Persian Empire, the exiled Judeans were allowed to return to Jerusalem. So what happened next? Find out with this penetrating look at the Persian administration of the Holy Land, the influence of Ezra and Nehemiah, and the birth of early Judaism.
9. Alexander the Great and His Successors
30m
Alexander the Great's conquests of the Near East introduced Greek culture to the Holy Land. Professor Magness uses archaeological findings: including the personal belongings of murdered Samaritans and the remains of towers at an ancient fortification: to illustrate the profound influences of Alexander and his successors.
10. The Hellenization of Palestine
30m
Continue examining the Hellenistic influence on the Holy Land: this time on non-Jewish populations in the area. Focus on three distinct cities: Iraq el-Amir (with the remains of an impressive temple or pleasure palace); Marisa (with its fascinating series of caves); and Tel Dor (with its distinctly Hellenistic architectural style).
Extended Details
- SeriesGreat Courses
- Closed CaptionsEnglish