Religious history is a tricky subject to study, especially if you don't believe in one. That said, studying religion can tell you a lot about other aspects of history because it was (and still is) such an impactful force on every civilization from ancient times to now.
The books below take a look at biblical history specifically, and do so from every angle: you'll learn how wine made its way into the Bible, about biblical women, and you'll read about the archaeological evidence behind biblical figures' existence, among other details. Read on for a list of 9 biblical history books to read if you want to learn more about the Bible's impact.
HarperCollins Atlas of Bible History
This atlas breaks down biblical history into distinct eras, from the earliest evidence of humankind in Palestine to the rise of the Christian Church. Each period of history includes detailed biblical references, timelines, suggestions for further reading, and an explanation of the land, events, and people important to that time.
It features over 100 full-color geographical and topographical maps; the latest archaeological information, floor plans, city plans, illustrations, and artistic recreations of life; charts, graphs, statistics, and informational sidebars; detailed biblical references; timelines; and website recommendations for further study.
Seeds of Turmoil
Seeds of Turmoil provides the historical context for a modern understanding of the Middle Eastern conflict between Israel, Palestine, and their neighbors. The roots of the current conflict began long before the creation of the state of Israel in 1948; this book delves into the formation of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam to provide insight into the conflict and to explain why the land is so important to all three religions today.
The Cities That Built the Bible
Robert Cargill, archaeologist, Bible scholar, and host of Bible Secrets Revealed on the History Channel, presents photos of artifacts, dig sites, ruins, and relics that shed new light on the Bible. In The Cities that Built the Bible, he takes you on a tour of 14 cities, including Bethlehem, Nazareth, and Rome; and lesser-known places such as Tyre, Sidon, and Byblos.
As you read along, you'll learn what the Bible states about the birth of Jesus and how Mary's virgin birth caused problems for the early church, how other dieties may have influenced the God of the Old Testament, and how many texts were cut from the biblical canon.
Divine Vintage
Wine Connoisseur Joel Butler embarks on a journey through ancient wine country to reveal the drinking habits of early biblical figures, from Abraham to Jesus. Partnering with biblical historian Randall Heskett, the two teach readers about the kinds of wine people were drinking 2,000 to 3,500 years ago, the origins of wine, the myth of Shiraz, the secrets of how wine infiltrated the biblical world, the emergence of kosher wine, and the use of wine in sacrifices and other rites. It also compares modern wine-making techniques to the ancient techniques that Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus used.
Discovering Buried Worlds
French archaeologist André Parrot led some of the most prolific digs of the 20th century. In 1933, he began a dig in modern-day Syria and identified the site as the Mesopotamian city of Mari. In Discovering Buried Worlds, Parrot shows how these ancient discoveries can help connect the ancient biblical world to ours. He also discusses how archaeological discoveries have helped shed light on the Bible itself.
All of the Women of the Bible
All of the Women in the Bible is a reference book that does exactly what the title suggests: it provides biographies for 300 female figures in scripture. From the famous to the unnamed, Edith Deen includes the Bible chapter and verse they're included in and a key passage of scripture to describe who they are. It allows modern readers to see biblical women's triumphs and struggles.
Digging Through the Bible
Digging Through the Bible is written by archaeologist and rabbi Richard Freund, who led digs in the Holy Land, searching for evidence about key biblical characters and events. It presents overviews of the evidence supporting the existence of Moses, Kings David and Solomon, and Mary, and it helps readers more fully understand the life and times of these figures.
Freund also introduces readers to his new discoveries, like the grave of the Teacher of Righteousness mentioned in the Dead Sea Scrolls, and he provides a compelling argument about how the Exodus of the Israelites may have taken place in three separate waves over time rather than in a single event.
Black Fundamentalists
Black Fundamentalists traces the history of Black Fundamentalists during the interwar period. Using voices from the Black community proves that fundamentalism was not an exclusively white phenomenon, and it introduces the differences in fundamentalism between Black and white people at the time (for example, how Black fundamentalists applied their conservative theology in more progressive, racially contextualized ways). Daniel R. Bare enlightens us on historical dynamics and how racial context influences religious expression.
