‎'‎The information is presented in clear‎,‎ jargon‎-free prose ‎.‎‎.‎‎.‎ the end result is a pleasure to read‎,‎ as well as thought provoking‎.‎‎'‎ Minerva ‎'‎‎.‎‎.‎‎.‎ highly welcomed by biblical scholars and archaeologists ‎.‎‎.‎‎.‎ it covers an impressive wide range ‎.‎‎.‎‎.‎ the biblical scholar cannot but be grateful to the authors for providing such a well‎-written overview of the cultural realm bordering the biblical world‎.‎ Several state‎-of‎-the‎-art photographs‎,‎ drawings‎,‎ maps and charts round off this beautifully produced volume whose affordable price will ensure its widespread and well‎-deserved distribution‎.‎‎'‎ Society for Old Testament Study ‎'‎‎.‎‎.‎‎.‎ a useful reference tool for professional archaeologists and an excellent introduction for students‎.‎‎'‎ Antiquity