Ancient Middle East

The Ancient Middle East saw the beginning of Christianity, significant religious conflicts, and the development of some remarkable cities.

One such city was Petra, carved out of the Jordanian mountains. Between 50 BC and AD 50, it was the commercial and cultural center of the Middle East. Statues carved into the rock depicted Arab gods and goddesses of the pre-Islamic times. Christianity came to Petra in the 4th century AD but gave way to Islam during the Islamic conquest two hundred years later.

Jerusalem is of course another important city of the Ancient Middle East. It was already a burgeoning metropolis by the time of Jesus, thanks to the legacy of King Herod I, who built a beautiful palace, amphitheater, and water system. His most ambitious project was the expansion of the Second Temple. Only four of its walls remain today, including the Wailing Wall (or Western Wall).

After Jesus’ death, the twelve disciples and a group of Jewish followers spread the religion and became the first Christians. St. Paul played an especially important role, bringing Christianity to new parts of the world. By the end of the 1st century, Christianity had already spread to Rome and to various cities in Greece, Asia Minor, and Syria.

Christians then faced persecution during the post-apostolic period at the hands of the Roman Empire, until Constantine the Great came into power and made Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire.

Starting in 1095, Christians marched across Europe to Jerusalem to restore Christian access to the holy places in and near Jerusalem, which had been captured by the Muslims. Known as The Crusades, the war lasted for 200 years and greatly affected world affairs.

Learn more about the Ancient Middle East in the following DVD books, including video with expert commentary, as well as full-length books complete with photos, maps, and timelines.