This work is the first comprehensive treatment of the biblical traditions pertaining to the Israelite sanctuary at Shiloh. A survey of previous research puts the current discussion of Shiloh into historical context and exposes the real issues behind the often bitter debate over Shiloh's supposed destruction during the Philistine wars and its traditional status as the first 'central' shrine.

This book represents the first comprehensive, interdisciplinary presentation of ancient Near Eastern civilization. Concentrating on Mesopotamia and North Syria and focusing particularly on the cultures of Sumer, Babylonia, and Assyria, von Soden covers the earliest times to Hellenization. His study of ancient "humanity in its wholeness" includes treatments of the history of language and systems of writing, the state and society, nutrition and agriculture, artisanry, economics, law, science, religion and magic, art, music, and more. Valuable background work for students of the Bible. Includes 18 black-and-white photographs.