Vivid illustrations, maps, and photographs of the Holy Land and the most significant archaeological finds of the past half-century combine to bring alive the times of Jesus.

The intersection of archaeology and text in the late Second Temple period -- 2. Purifying the body and hands -- 3. Creeping and swarming creatures, locusts, fish, dogs, chickens, and pigs -- 4. Household vessels: pottery, oil lamps, glass, stone, and dung -- 5. Dining customs and communal meals -- 6. Sabbath observance and fasting -- 7. Coins -- 8. Clothing and tzitzit -- 9. Oil and spit -- 10. Toilets and toilet habits -- 11. Tombs and burial customs -- 12. Epilogue: the aftermath of 70.

The celebrated French Academician, Henri Daniel-Rops, recreates the world that gave birth to Christianity. The people who lived in Palestine at the time of Christ become flesh and blood with occupations, families and homes. You will sympathize with them, like them or dislike them. Even the land with its particular kinds of birds singing and its particular flowers and crops growing in its soil are reconstructed to give a full understanding of these people and their turbulent times. Daniel-Rops also brings to light the political, economic, scientific and cultural currents of the period. The events that preceded and surrounded the coming of Christ and the spread of Christianity are illuminated with immense scholarship and moving description, giving a clear picture of Christ among his people and in his time.

Recreation of the land and people of Palestine during the time of Christ.

Jesus Christ is arguably the most famous man who ever lived. His image adorns countless churches, icons, and paintings. He is the subject of millions of statues, sculptures, devotional objects and works of art. Everyone can conjure an image of Jesus: usually as a handsome, white man with flowing locks and pristine linen robes. But what did Jesus really look like? Is our popular image of Jesus overly westernized and untrue to historical reality? This question continues to fascinate. Leading Christian Origins scholar Joan E. Taylor surveys the historical evidence, and the prevalent image of Jesus in art and culture, to suggest an entirely different vision of this most famous of men. He may even have had short hair.