Full Description
Jerusalem, with its turbulent history, is without doubt one of the best-known cities of the world. A long line of foreign powers have ruled over it, from as far back as biblical times. But the city owes its importance not to them but to the fact that it is the birthplace of the monotheistic currents that shape Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Othmar Keel sketches in broad brush strokes the historical development of Israelite-Jewish monotheism in and around Jerusalem, arguing that monotheism is "a product of the city, not of the desert," and describes its integration of polytheistic symbols and perceptions into its worldview. Keel relies on biblical and extrabiblical texts as well as the rich iconographic evidence of archaeological discoveries. Abundant maps and sketches of archaeological artifacts enhance his argument.
Contents
Editor's ForewordPrefaceIntroductionPart 1Preliminary Remarks2. Jerusalem's Setting3. The Names of JerusalemPart II: The History of Jerusalem4. A Strong Canaanite City of the Middle Bronze Age IIB5. A City under Egyptian Sovereignty6. Jerusalem and the Israelite Tribes7. Jerusalem Becomes the Residence of David ... and YHWH8. Solomon, Builder of the First Temple and Legendary Monarch9. Competition and Cooperation with the Northern Kingdom10. Assyrian Rule of Jerusalem and the Prophet Isaiah11. The Fall of Assyria and the Reorganization of Jerusalem and Judah under Josiah12. Cooperation or Confrontation with Babylon? The Problem after Josiah's Death13. The Exile: Lamentation, Reproach, Pleading, and Visions of Renewed Splendor14. Jerusalem under Persian Rule: The Second Temple Period15. Conflict with Hellenism: Jerusalem from Alexander the Great to PompeyPart III: Closing Thoughts16. Conclusion17. Afterword: A Few Remarks on History WritingWorks CitedIndices
