Daily Life at the Time of Jesus by Miriam Feinberg Vamosh

Daily Life at the Time of Jesus by Miriam Feinberg Vamosh ISBN: 0-687-04891-5 Paperback: 104 pages Publisher: Abingdon Press Released: 2001

Source: Bought through Half.com.

Book Description, my take:
Information about daily life at the time of Jesus based on ancient writings and archeological evidence and illustrated with full-color photographs, drawings, and maps.


My Review:
Daily Life at the Time of Jesus gives Bible background information about daily life that helps readers better understand some things that are referred to in the gospels. The author based her information on ancient writings, the New Testament, and archeological findings. The text was accompanied by full-color maps of Israel, photographs taken around Israel and of archeological items, and illustrated artist reconstructions of daily life and buildings. There was also a timeline (with 4 B.C. for Herod's death, for those who are interested in that) and a family tree from King David to Jesus.

It's written at a level for Middle Schoolers to adults. I learned some new and interesting information, and I really liked the chart telling how much the various coins would have bought back then. Though each section was brief, this book covered some information I haven't seen elsewhere. Overall, I'd recommend this book.

The author started with a brief history of Herod the Great up to the time of Jesus. It then talked about Jerusalem, the Temple, the Sanhedrin, pilgrimage, the Antonia Fortress, the Roman Army, crucifixion, a wealthy household in Jerusalem, the village, a village house, working in the fields, domestic animals, the shepherd, olive press, blacksmith, carpenter, weaver, grain mill, synagogue, education, a wedding feast, food and drink, fishermen (including information about fishing net types and how to use them), a country manor, wine press, doctor, burying the dead, Qumran, balsam production, Dead Sea scrolls, Masada, mosaics, Herod's other palaces, Caesarea, a pagan temple, city gate and market, and money and prices.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.