The Cultural World of the Bible: An Illustrated Guide to Manners and Customs

In this new edition of a successful book (over 120,000 copies sold), now updated throughout, a leading expert on the social world of the Bible offers students a reliable guide to the manners and customs of the ancient world. From what people wore, ate, and built to how they exercised justice, mourned, and viewed family and legal customs, this illustrated introduction helps readers gain valuable cultural background on the biblical world. The attractive, full-color, user-friendly design will appeal to students, while numerous pedagogical features--including fifty photos, sidebars, callouts, maps, charts, a glossary of key terms, chapter outlines, and discussion questions--increase classroom utility. Previously published as Manners and Customs in the Bible.

• Contents
• Introduction
• 1. Ancestral Period
  • Historical Introduction
  • Physical Appearance and Fashion
  • Cultural Issues Faced by Immigrants
  • Herding Practices
  • Food Preparation and Diet
  • Marriage Customs
  • Religious Practices
  • Legal Customs
  • Weapons and Warfare
• 2. Exodus-Settlement Period
  • Historical Introduction
  • Village Life
  • Agricultural Methods and Tools
  • Weapons and Warfare
  • Social Organization and Administration of Law
  • Family Life
  • Religious Practices
• 3. Monarchic Period
  • Historical Introduction
  • The Israelite City
  • Social Life
  • Law
  • Religious Practices
  • Weapons and Warfare
• 4. Exile and Return
  • Historical Introduction
  • Life in the Diaspora
  • Life after the Return from Exile
  • Religious Life in the Diaspora, Yehud, and Samaria
• 5. Intertestamental and New Testament Period
  • Historical Introduction
  • Background to Hellenism: The Persian Period
  • The Rise of Hellenism: Alexander and the Diadochoi
  • Temporary Independence: The Hasmonean Kingdom
  • Last Glimpses of Power: The Herods
  • Roman Rule and Jewish Protest: The First Jewish Revolt
• A Final Chapter: Bar Kochba and Diasporic Judaism
  • Social Life
  • Economic Life
  • Religious Life
• Indexes