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Uses archaeological and textual evidence to clarify the nature of Galilean discontent and the advent of Jesus' eschatological ministry.
List of contents
Introduction; Part I. Memories of Jesus: The Textual Evidence: 1. Discontent in early first-century Galilee and Judea; 2. Jesus, the Temple, and the chief priests; 3. The character and Legacy of Jesus; Part II. Jesus in Context: The Archaeological Evidence: 4. Jewish identities and the distribution of ethnic indicators; 5. Health hazards in first-century Palestine; 6. Status, power, and wealth; Conclusion.
About the author
Rosemary Margaret Luff is an archaeologist and an Emeritus Fellow at Clare Hall, University of Cambridge. During the 80s and early 90s, she ran a research unit in the Department of Archaeology specializing in the recovery and analysis of animal and human remains from a variety of prehistoric, Roman and medieval sites in Eastern England; the bones provided information on diet, disease, animal husbandry, socio-economics, mortality and religious practice. She later worked on excavations in Egypt, in particular those of the eighteenth Dynasty and Late Antique period, and subsequently directed a project (funded by the Leverhulme Trust) investigating the importance of aquatic versus terrestrial resources in the Pharaonic and Roman periods. While in Egypt she developed a keen interest in early monastic sites, and this resulted in her examining material in Israel, which ultimately led to the present project.
Summary
Examines Jesus' Jewish background through archaeological remains relating to religious, socio-economic, and health issues, bringing into sharper focus the textual evidence presented concerning the emergence of his ministry and concern for the needy. This integrative approach is unique, appealing to specialists and non-specialists alike.
