archaeology and material culture of the Babylonian Talmud, The

archaeology and material culture of the Babylonian Talmud, The

By Markham J. Geller

Book Description

This scholarly exploration bridges ancient wisdom and archaeological discovery, revealing how the Babylonian Talmud serves as an extraordinary window into the daily lives and spiritual practices of Jewish communities in ancient Mesopotamia. Drawing from one of Judaism's most treasured texts alongside newly discovered Babylonian incantation bowls, this work illuminates the material world that shaped religious thought and practice thousands of years ago.

The author examines how archaeological evidence from Parthian and Sassanian periods provides crucial context for understanding Jewish life in Babylonia, offering insights that differ significantly from what we know about Jewish communities in ancient Israel. Through careful analysis of textual sources and material artifacts, readers discover how geography, culture, and historical circumstances influenced spiritual development and religious expression.

A central theme explores the connections and communications between Jewish communities in Babylonia and Israel, considering how vast distances and challenging travel conditions affected the exchange of ideas, traditions, and religious practices. This investigation reveals how physical circumstances shaped spiritual communities and their evolving traditions.

For those interested in how environment and culture influence spiritual development, this work demonstrates how archaeological evidence can deepen our understanding of religious texts and practices. The book offers valuable perspectives on how ancient communities maintained their spiritual identity while adapting to local conditions and cultural influences, providing insights relevant to anyone exploring the relationship between place, community, and spiritual growth.

Who Is This For?

📖 Reading Level: Long (> 400 pages) (~11 hours)

📄 Length: 403 pages

What You'll Discover

  • ✓ Explore Jews
  • ✓ Explore Evidences, authority
  • ✓ Explore Archäologie
  • ✓ Explore Jews, iraq, babylonia
  • ✓ Explore Judaism
  • ✓ Explore History
  • ✓ Explore Religious aspects
  • ✓ Explore Palästina

Topics Covered

Jews Evidences, authority Archäologie Jews, iraq, babylonia Judaism History Religious aspects Palästina Excavations (Archaeology) Authority Judaism, history, talmudic period, 10-425 Talmudic period Judentum Congresses Talmud Criticism, interpretation Israel Excavations (archaeology), middle east

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