These Carta introductory atlases are a lot of fun. This title introduces and compares the biblical kingdoms and empires that framed the Old and New Testaments. It’s written by Paul H. Wright who has produced a major atlas and other of these introductory atlases. I’ve found all his works accessible, helpful, and well-written. This title is no exception.

After briefly describing the world of the Bible on a physical map, he describes the origin of the people of Israel as well as the earlier kingdoms around them that influenced their history. From there, he gives a good overview of the rising kingdom of Egypt as well as their famous interaction with Israel. After that interaction, Egypt, as you well know, greatly declined and Israel went from a tribal nation to a monarchy. The heights of her glory were the empires of David and Solomon. This is all well described. Next, we have the Assyrian Empire (after this point Israel always had to deal with the dominant world power to some degree) and Israel’s divided kingdom. You will learn about the Assyrian Empire, the Babylonian Empire, the Persian Empire, and Israel’s trials during these periods. Perhaps lesser-known to some Bible students, you will then learn of the Greek Empire of Alexander the Great, the Ptolemaic and Seleucid Empires as well as the Hasmonean Kingdom. The balance of this book of 40 attractive pages introduces us to the Roman Empire that brings us into the New Testament.

The work is the expected Carta experience. Beautiful photographs, timely illustrations, and the best maps in the business. When you factor in the essential nature of understanding the kingdoms that affected Israel during the Old Testament, this book meets a real need and I highly recommend it!

I received this map free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.