New Studies in the Historical Geography of the Ancient Near East

Historical geographic studies dominated early biblical and ancient Near Eastern studies as scholars sought to identify and link modern sites and regions with those mentioned in the Bible and other primary sources. As a result, hundreds of ancient sites were identified and the contexts in which past events unfolded were clarified. Yet, for the past generation, little work has been done in historical geography. To begin to correct this lacuna, this volume presents twelve studies that move the field of historical geography into the 21st century, calling for its re-awakening in light of recent archaeological discoveries and developments in textual analysis. The volume includes studies on the history of the field, historical geography of Late Bronze Age and early Iron Age Egypt and Canaan, the role of geography in dating biblical texts, and historical geography of the Hebrew Bible, Second Temple Period, and the New Testament. This volume will be of interest to archaeologists and textual scholars alike because the individual studies highlight how historical geography provides insight into the use of political/religious ideology in ancient written sources, the composition/redaction of the Hebrew Bible, and settlement trends and land use.

Kyle H. Keimer, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia; Chris McKinny, Geshur Media/Jerusalem University College, USA/Israel; Aharon Tavger, Antiquities Department of the Civil Administration in Judea and Samaria /Ariel University, Israel.