Palestine: A Four Thousand Year History
This rich and magisterial work traces Palestine's millennia-old heritage, uncovering cultures and societies of astounding depth and complexity that stretch back to the very beginnings of recorded history.
Starting with the earliest references in Egyptian and Assyrian texts, Nur Masalha explores how Palestine and its Palestinian identity have evolved over thousands of years, from the Bronze Age to the present day. Drawing on a rich body of sources and the latest archaeological evidence, Masalha shows how Palestine's multicultural past has been distorted and mythologised by Biblical lore and the Israel–Palestinian conflict.
In the process, Masalha reveals that the concept of Palestine, contrary to accepted belief, is not a modern invention or one constructed in opposition to Israel, but rooted firmly in ancient past. Palestine represents the authoritative account of the country's history.
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About the Author
Nur Masalha is a Palestinian historian and academic. He is currently Professor of Religion and Politics and Director of the Centre for Religion and History and the Holy Land Research Project at St Mary's University College (University of Surrey, UK) and Professorial Research Associate, Department of History, School of Oriental and African Studies (University of London). He is also the editor of Holy Land Studies: A Multidisciplinary Journal, published by Edinburgh University Press, and the author of many books on Palestine-Israel.
Masalha is also the historian commentator in the award–winning, documentary film “La Terre Parle Arabe” (the Land Speaks Arabic) (2007), directed by Maryse Gargour, which tells the story of the background and build-up to the 1948 Nakba and the expulsion of the Palestinians from the newly-created State of Israel.