Essays by leading archaeologists, historians, and art historians on the Middle East during the four centuries preceding the rise of Islam. The most recent archaeological findings with interpretation are presented. Archaeological plans, as well as color photographs of sites and artwork, are included.

Caesarea Palaestinae: A Paradigmatic Transition?

Caesarea in Transition: The Archaeological Evidence

Qays riyah as an Early Islamic Settlement

Archaeological Evidence for the Sasanian Persian Invasion of Jerusalem

The Province of Arabia during the Persian Invasion (613-629/630)

Continuity and Change in the Cities of Palestine during the Early Islamic Period: The Cases of Jerusalem and Ramla

Pella, Jarash, and Amm n: Old and New in the Crossing to Arabia, ca. 550 750 C.E.

Changes in the Settlement Pattern of Palestine Following the Arab Conquest

The Peninsular Arab Presence in Oriens (Bil d al-Sh m) in Byzantine and Umayyad Times

Aspects of the Rabbinic Movement in Palestine, 500 800 C.E.

Images, Icons, and the Public Space in Early Islamic Times: Arab Christians and the Program to Claim the Land for Islam

The Muslim Appropriation of a Biblical Text: The Messianic Dimensions of Isaiah 21:6 7

Sefer Eliyyahu: Jewish Eschatology and Christian Jerusalem

The Many Facets of Middle Eastern Art: Late Antique, Christian, Islamic