Search Results for 'The Holy Land Revealed'
The Holy Land Revealed
Visit the birthplace of Judaism and Christianity in this comprehensive tour, taught by an archaeologist, that will take you deep beneath the pages of the Bible.
How the Crusades Changed History
Journey to the Holy Land in this richly vivid course on the epic story of the Crusades. Witness the monumental human drama and grasp the ways in which the Crusades left their mark on future centuries, including our own.
Maya to Aztec: Ancient Mesoamerica Revealed
Uncover the fascinating rise and fall of the Maya and Aztec civilizations in this comprehensive course taught by the Director of the Maya Exploration Center.
The Great Tours: Iceland
Embark on the adventure of a lifetime with a journey to an unforgettable land of fire and ice—and so much more.
The Triumph of Christianity
From Jesus of Nazareth to the Holy Roman Empire, explore the rise of Christianity.From Jesus of Nazareth to the Holy Roman Empire, explore the rise of Christianity.
Unlocking the Hidden History of DNA
A master storyteller uncovers the epic history revealed in our genes in this course on what DNA tells us about our past, present, and future.
World War II: The Pacific Theater
Survey the largest naval war in world history and gain insight into the strategy and tactics of battle from sea, air, and land.
Identity in the Age of Ancestral DNA
Who do you think you are? In the 12 fascinating lessons of Identity in the Age of Ancestral DNA, Anita Foeman, PhD, Professor of Communication and Media, and founder and primary investigator of the DNA Discussion Project at West Chester University, takes us behind the scenes to examine what really happens when individuals receive their personal DNA ancestry results. By learning about their individual and family reactions, we learn more about our own identity narratives as well.
The Catholic Church: A History
Explore the vast and fascinating history of one of the most influential institutions in the world. Follow the development of this powerful religious force throughout the centuries and witness its ability to move armies, inspire saints, and shape the lives of its more than 1 billion members.
The History and Archaeology of the Bible
Delve into the iconic stories of the Bible through the eyes of historians and archaeologists, and discover how their findings bring fascinating and revealing perspectives to the world-shaping texts of scripture.
An Economic History of the World since 1400
A renowned economic historian reveals the (sometimes surprising) ways money has shaped global politics, innovation, and discovery.
Searching for the Historical Jesus
Join historian, biblical scholar, and best-selling author Jean-Pierre Isbouts to walk in the footsteps of Jesus.
Introduction to Nanotechnology: The New Science of Small
Get an in-depth explanation of a groundbreaking, interdisciplinary science that operates at the level of atoms and molecules in this engrossing course by two nanotechnology experts.
Beginnings of Judaism
The roots of Judaism reach back to the Hebrew Bible, also known as the Old Testament by Christians. For thousands of years, Jews have looked to these scriptures for their origins, and have located in them the tenets of their faith. However, much of what is recognized today as Judaism does not appear in the Bible. How did Judaism develop from its biblical roots to the highly developed system we know today? What has changed—and what has remained constant?
Apollo 11: Lessons for All time
Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission to the Moon with an in-depth look at four unique outcomes of this momentous event, led by four esteemed professors.
Sacred Texts of the World
Delve deeply into the sacred writings that have shaped the identities, beliefs, and actions of large segments of humanity-texts that still exert influence in today's world.
The History of Christianity: From the Disciples to the Dawn of the Reformation
Discover the phenomenal story of Christianity’s first 1,500 years, with all its remarkable diversity and complex dimensions, as one of the most popular Great Courses professors examines Christianity’s origins, rise, and civilization-shaping presence in our world.
Zoology: Understanding the Animal World
Join a zoologist at the Smithsonian's National Zoo for 24 lectures that reveal the scientific marvels of animal life on our planet.
The Modern Political Tradition: Hobbes to Habermas
Deepen your understanding of politics in this course that reveals the remarkable evolution, impact, and legacy of modern political philosophy.
The Medieval Legacy
Take a fascinating and eye-opening journey into the Middle Ages while you uncover the remarkable ways in which the medieval world still influences our thinking, our collective consciousness, and our ways of life.
Warping Reality: Inside the Psychology of Cults
Take a deep dive into the shadowy world of cults and reveal the psychology that creates charismatic leaders and their susceptible targets.
Old English Literature: Language as History
In the 24 lessons of Old English Literature: Language as History, you will experience the premodern world through the powerful tool of the written word. With the guidance of author and medieval scholar Professor Renée Trilling, you will look back on the early medieval history of the British Isles and discover what Old English can reveal about the peoples, traditions, beliefs, and cultures of the past.
Turning Points in American History
Explore the history of our nation in this unusual and endlessly fascinating survey course that eschews traditional narratives—focusing instead on key moments in U.S. history that changed the course of our nation forever.
Pioneering Skills for Everyone: Modern Homesteading
No matter what your personal living-off-the-land dream looks like right now, and whether you have 100 acres all to yourself or you live in a city apartment, Pioneering Skills for Everyone: Modern Homesteading will bring you closer to that dream than you ever thought possible. In 24 exciting lessons with in-field demonstrations, you will learn how to grow a wide variety of produce in raised bed gardens or in back porch containers, the basics of soapmaking, how to pickle or ferment vegetables, the fundamental hand tools you will need for any project, and so much more.
The Italian Renaissance
Reveal the secrets behind the Italian Renaissance—the most successful artistic and intellectual explosion the world has ever seen—in this comprehensive introduction to the art, architecture, history, and politics of this extraordinary era.
The History of Christian Theology
Join Professor Cary for an enriching and thought-provoking journey into the fascinating and inspiring world of Christian thought.
The Great Tours: Germany and Austria
Uncover the astonishing treasures of Germany and Austria in this expert-led tour, and immerse yourself in the region’s enthralling history, resplendent cities, wonders of architecture, cultural traditions, romantic landscapes, and more.
How the Earth Works
Investigate the miracle and mystery of planet Earth—how it formed, how its natural forces operate, and how human activity has forever transformed it.
The African Experience: From "Lucy" to Mandela
An award-winning and Yale-trained historian reveals Africa in all its complexity, grandeur, tragedy, and resilience so you can understand the events in present-day Africa through their deep historical context.
Great Castles of Europe
Take a fascinating tour of Europe’s great medieval castles and discover the ways in which these astonishing buildings shaped the political, economic, and social evolution of Europe.
The History of Spain: Land on a Crossroad
Join a seasoned expert on Spain and witness the dazzling history of the Spanish culture and its unique role in the West.
How Colors Affect You: What Science Reveals
Discover how color influences your brain-and how you can use those insights to your advantage-in this eye-opening course from a best-selling author and expert on design.
The World's Greatest Churches
Discover sublime masterpieces of architecture, art, and faith in this enthralling journey to the greatest Christian churches, basilicas, and cathedrals around the world.
Turning Points in Middle Eastern History
Go beyond the headlines to reveal the true Middle East. Gain surprising insights about the world today based on this dramatic history led by a professor, US Consultant, and explorer.
Great Ancient Civilizations of Asia Minor
The peninsula of Asian Turkey, known to the Greeks as Anatolia and to the Romans as Asia Minor, is about the size of Texas. This small subcontinent has arguably seen more history than any other comparably sized patch of Earth anywhere. Professor Kenneth W. Harl discusses Asia Minor's pivotal role in history in this engaging, original presentation.
Life Lessons from the Great Myths
Learn how myth encodes the core sets of principles for the lives of people from around the world and across time.
How to Survive in Space
From launch to landing, spaceflight is a horror show of hazards. Discover how to overcome them, with the help of a biomedical/aerospace engineer.
World Heritage Sites II: 12 More of the World’s Greatest Places
Travel the world as you discover more of the most unforgettable works of architecture, archaeological ruins, feats of engineering, masterworks of art, and the greatest natural wonders of our planet.
The American West: History, Myth, and Legacy
Discover what the Wild West was really like as acclaimed Professor Patrick N. Allitt reveals the truth behind our cherished stories.
The Surprising Lives of Christian Saints
Examine the remarkable tales of faith that shape the history of Christianity, in these 24 fascinating lectures.
The Cathedral
Explore the evolution, majesty, and intrigue of cathedrals worldwide, as you embark on 3-D tours with a noted medieval historian.
The History of Christianity II: From the Reformation to the Modern Megachurch
Examine the last 500 years of history through the lens of Christianity with an esteemed professor.
Bob Krist’s Off the Beaten Path
Join experienced travel photographer Bob Krist on a 28-episode journey through the Azores, Mexico, Maine, and Venice, exploring the tapestry of cultures, enduring customs, and stunning landscapes that make each region so unique.
The World Was Never the Same: Events That Changed History
Get a comprehensive and riveting overview of defining moments that profoundly changed the world.
Pilot Lecture: The Developing Brain
Trace the evolutionary history of humans and how the modern world and its technologies affect how our brains develop.
A History of England from the Tudors to the Stuarts
Learn how England transformed itself from a medieval backwater into the first modern state in this sweeping course on one of the most interesting periods in history.
01: The Land of Canaan
From: The Holy Land Revealed
What do we mean by "holy land"? What is the difference between archaeology and history? How reliable is the Hebrew Bible as a window into life in ancient Israel? Discover answers to these and other questions in this introductory lecture, and take a peek at the region's earliest recorded inhabitants, the Canaanites.
33: Christian Emperors and Pilgrimage Sites
From: The Holy Land Revealed
The legalization of Christianity under Constantine radically transformed the landscape of ancient Israel. In the first of two lectures on the Holy Land under the Byzantine Empire, tour two major churches built during this period: the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and the once-lost Nea Church devoted to Mary.
09: Alexander the Great and His Successors
From: The Holy Land Revealed
Alexander the Great's conquests of the Near East introduced Greek culture to the Holy Land. Professor Magness uses archaeological findings- including the personal belongings of murdered Samaritans and the remains of towers at an ancient fortification-to illustrate the profound influences of Alexander and his successors.
10: The Hellenization of Palestine
From: The Holy Land Revealed
Continue examining the Hellenistic influence on the Holy Land-this time on non-Jewish populations in the area. Focus on three distinct cities: Iraq el-Amir (with the remains of an impressive temple or pleasure palace); Marisa (with its fascinating series of caves); and Tel Dor (with its distinctly Hellenistic architectural style).
08: Babylonian Exile and the Persian Restoration
From: The Holy Land Revealed
In 539 B.C.E., after the Babylonians were subsumed by the Persian Empire, the exiled Judeans were allowed to return to Jerusalem. So what happened next? Find out with this penetrating look at the Persian administration of the Holy Land, the influence of Ezra and Nehemiah, and the birth of early Judaism.
35: Islam's Transformation of Jerusalem
From: The Holy Land Revealed
The Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque are the two most potent examples of the spread of Islam into the Holy Land beginning in the mid-7th century C.E. Discover what archaeologists have learned about these two spectacular buildings and their importance to the Muslim faith.
34: Judaism and Synagogues under Christian Rule
From: The Holy Land Revealed
As Christianity spread across the Holy Land, synagogues became increasingly larger and more elaborate in an attempt to bolster Judaism. See how this was done by peering closely at the remains of the synagogues at Capernaum, Hammath Tiberias, and Beth Alpha-as well as their (sometimes surprising) decorations.
36: What and How Archaeology Reveals
From: The Holy Land Revealed
What is it like to work alongside an archaeologist in the field? In Professor Magness's final lecture, experience how archaeologists reconstruct their delicate pictures of the past-from deciding where to start digging to reassembling broken artifacts uncovered from the earth to publishing their eye-opening findings and conclusions.
29: Masada-Herod's Desert Palace and the Siege
From: The Holy Land Revealed
After the end of the first Jewish revolt, three Herodian fortresses remained occupied by Jewish rebels. The most famous of these: Masada. Here, discover what archaeological evidence reveals about how an estimated 8,000 Roman soldiers encircled the mountain, built camps, and laid siege to the fortress and its 967 rebels.
15: The Sectarian Settlement at Qumran
From: The Holy Land Revealed
Continue touring the site at Qumran, with a focus on three distinctive features of the settlement. These are animal bones found in pots; an elaborate water system that channeled flash floods into pools used for ritual bathing; and a vast cemetery containing more than 1,000 graves.
11: Mexico: Holy Week in the Bajío
From: Bob Krist’s Off the Beaten Path
The Christian Holy Week is one of the most important religious observances in Mexico. From Palm Sunday to Easter, the cities and towns in Bajío host a variety of celebrations and ceremonies. Visit several to immerse yourself in their Holy Week traditions, which range from profoundly spiritual to downright explosive.
24: Sites of the Trial and Final Hours of Jesus
From: The Holy Land Revealed
Explore the Antonia Fortress, the Church of the Sisters of Zion, three successive lines of fortification walls, the ruins of a burnt Jewish villa, and other archaeological finds in Jerusalem intricately linked with both the final days of Jesus's life and the city's destruction in 70 C.E. by the Romans.
07: Fortifications and Cult Practices
From: The Holy Land Revealed
Delve into aspects of everyday life in the kingdoms of ancient Israel. Focus on how elaborately recessed gates were designed to protect cities like Gezer from enemies, and how altars, amulets, painted figures, and inscribed pottery vessels reflect the religious beliefs and practices at Kuntillet Ajrud and other sites.
11: The Maccabean Revolt
From: The Holy Land Revealed
Turn now to the impact of the Greeks on the Jewish population of Judea. Tour the tumultuous years between 167 and 103 B.C.E., which saw Antiochus IV's imposition of Greek beliefs on the population; the subsequent revolt under Judah Maccabee; the reigns of the Hasmoneans; and more.
05: Biblical Jerusalem's Ancient Water Systems
From: The Holy Land Revealed
Continue your archaeological exploration of the City of David by focusing on its ancient water system, centered on the Gihon Spring. Learn about the three different water systems that were created-Warren's Shaft, Siloam Channel, and the impressive engineering feat of Hezekiah's Tunnel-due to the spring's location outside the city walls.
03: Jerusalem-An Introduction to the City
From: The Holy Land Revealed
Here, survey the topography and layout of Jerusalem-perhaps the most important city in religious history. Then, review biblical accounts of Jerusalem from the arrival of David around 1000 B.C.E. to the start of the Babylonian exile in 586 B.C.E. (including the remains of a dramatic Assyrian siege on the city of Lachish).
18: From Roman Annexation to Herod the Great
From: The Holy Land Revealed
Witness the rise of Herod the Great-the ruthless king who governed Judea between 40 and 4 B.C.E. and who is most infamous for ordering the slaughter of the innocents in Bethlehem. It's an engrossing tale filled with court intrigue, jealousy, warfare, betrayal, and murder.
16: The Dead Sea Scrolls and the Essenes
From: The Holy Land Revealed
Scholars believe the Qumran community, commonly identified with the Essenes, was a sect that lived in anticipation of the End of Days. What was it like to be a member of this ascetic community? What strict codes of purity did it live by? What is Jesus's relationship to this apocalyptic group?
31: The Second Jewish Revolt against the Romans
From: The Holy Land Revealed
Investigate archaeological finds from the last 50 years that have shed unprecedented new light on the second major Jewish uprising: the Bar-Kokhba Revolt. Central to this lecture are two mysterious caves-the Cave of Letters and the Cave of Horror-whose contents tell us much about the Jewish families who hid there.
12: The Hasmonean Kingdom
From: The Holy Land Revealed
In this investigation of the Hasmoneans, meet individuals including the cruel king Alexander Jannaeus and his accomplished queen and widow, and examine the civil war between their successors. Then, meet their neighbors to the south: the Nabataeans, a desert people best known for the tombs cut into the cliff faces of their capital city at Petra (in modern-day Jordan).
14: Discovery and Site of the Dead Sea Scrolls
From: The Holy Land Revealed
Travel to Qumran, the archaeological site located adjacent to the caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were uncovered in the late 1940s. As you tour the caves and the site itself (including an ancient scriptorium and dining room), you'll learn what scholars know about the mysterious community that once lived there.
23: Synagogues in the Time of Jesus
From: The Holy Land Revealed
What do we know about the synagogues that served as the setting for the teachings of Jesus and Paul? After surveying the history of this religious institution, explore some of history's earliest synagogues at sites such as Masada, Gamla, and the most recent one uncovered in 2009 at Migdal.
30: Flavius Josephus and the Mass Suicide
From: The Holy Land Revealed
Pore over the remains of a ramp that was instrumental in the Roman victory at Masada. Then, take a closer look at controversies over the mass suicide of the Jewish rebels and the views of the historian Josephus-whose writings are our most important source of information about this event.
06: Samaria and the Northern Kingdom of Israel
From: The Holy Land Revealed
Turn now to Israel as it was ruled under the Omride dynasty between Solomon's death and the Assyrian invasion in 722 B.C.E. Here, explore important ruins, including the High Place at Dan (where the cult statue of a golden calf once resided) and the acropolis at Samaria (which holds the remains of King Ahab's palace).
06: Holy War and Its Long Legacy
From: The Medieval Legacy
Track the various factors that gave rise to the medieval concept of “holy war,” undergirding the call to arms of the Crusades. Begin with the phenomenon of divinely sanctioned wars in the ancient world. Then, grasp the Greco-Roman and Christian theories of “just” war, fought for a holy cause, offering the remission of sins for soldiers, and its analogies to the Muslim concept of jihad.
02: The Arrival of the Israelites
From: The Holy Land Revealed
Explore what archaeologists have uncovered about the arrival of the Israelites into Canaan. Among the many intriguing artifacts you examine are an ancient Egyptian stele featuring the earliest reference to Israel, the remains of Jericho's walls, and a Philistine temple similar to the one Samson destroyed in the book of Judges.
17: The Life of the Essenes
From: The Holy Land Revealed
In this final lecture on the Qumran sect, investigate the ancient latrines and hygienic practices of the community. Your three sources for insights into this little-explored aspect of everyday life: passages from the Dead Sea Scrolls, observations by the historian Josephus, and remains unearthed from the archaeological site itself.
20: Caesarea Maritima-Harbor and Showcase City
From: The Holy Land Revealed
During his reign, Herod also built Greco-Roman style cities in his non-Jewish territories. Here, Professor Magness guides you through the most famous of these: the port city of Caesarea Maritima (where Paul was imprisoned, according to Acts 23-24). Comb through the ruins of the city's harbor, hippodrome, aqueducts, and more.
21: From Herod's Last Years to Pontius Pilate
From: The Holy Land Revealed
Visit Herod's winter palace at Jericho, where he spent his final years, and his fortified palace at Herodium, where-in 2007-archaeologists discovered his tomb. Then, explore the divided kingdom he left to his three sons, with a special focus on the rule of Herod Antipas (who would play a critical role in Jesus's story).
32: Roman Jerusalem-Hadrian's Aelia Capitolina
From: The Holy Land Revealed
The Roman emperor Hadrian rebuilt Jerusalem as the pagan city Aelia Capitolina. Witness the results of his rule, including the iconic Damascus Gate, a towering statue of Hadrian, and two public forums built at the northern and western ends of the city.
27: The Burials of Jesus and James
From: The Holy Land Revealed
Place the Gospel accounts of the death and burial of Jesus within an archaeological context. The highlight of this lecture is the discussion of two recent-and highly controversial-discoveries: the Talpiyot Tomb (the supposed tomb of Jesus and his family) and the James Ossuary (connected to Jesus's brother).
28: The First Jewish Revolt; Jerusalem Destroyed
From: The Holy Land Revealed
Relive the first Jewish revolt against Rome between 66 and 70 C.E. You'll follow the infighting among Jewish rebel groups, explore the sites of fierce battles between rebels and Roman soldiers, and follow the tactics of Roman generals such as Vespasian and Titus as they besiege Jerusalem.
25: Early Jewish Tombs in Jerusalem
From: The Holy Land Revealed
Chart the development of ancient Jewish rock-cut tombs and burial customs. First, peer inside an Iron-Age cemetery at Ketef Hinnom and view the scant remains of the epic Mausoleum at Halicarnassos. Then, ponder the undiscovered Tomb of the Maccabees, and crawl through the burial chambers of Jason's Tomb in Jerusalem.
36: One? Holy? Catholic? Apostolic?
From: The Catholic Church: A History
Each Sunday at mass, Catholics recite the Nicene Creed, which includes the words: "We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church." In this final lecture, take a look at today's church and examine the ways in which it fulfills and fails this pledge to unify the adherents of this 2,000-year-old faith.
04: The Jerusalem of David and Solomon
From: The Holy Land Revealed
In this first lecture on the remains of the biblical City of David, comb through the fascinating remains of a scribe's house located behind a city wall; grasp the development of biblical Hebrew script; and examine rare examples of this script in a clay sealing, a piece of pottery, and a victory stele.
22: Galilee-Setting of Jesus's Life and Ministry
From: The Holy Land Revealed
Tour the remains of Galilean towns and villages that date back to the time of Jesus, including Sepphoris (with its theater) and Capernaum (with its neighborhood of private houses). Then, conclude with a look at the recent discovery of a house at Nazareth that may shed light on Jesus's boyhood.
21: Gothic Churches in the Holy Roman Empire
From: The Cathedral
Venture into the former territory of the Holy Roman Empire in this highlight of the most famous Gothic cathedrals from this part of Europe. Here, study the Gothic cathedrals of Strasbourg, Cologne, and Prague, as well as the exuberance of Kutná Hora's cathedral in the Czech Republic.
26: Monumental Tombs in the Time of Jesus
From: The Holy Land Revealed
Turn now to burial customs spanning the Second Temple period, with a particular emphasis on the use of stone ossuaries to store the bones of the deceased. You'll also examine stunning examples of the more than 900 rock-cut tombs that have been discovered around Jerusalem, including the Tomb of Bene Hezir and Nicanor's Tomb.
17: The Holy Grail from Chretien to Dan Brown
From: King Arthur: History and Legend
No physical object in the Arthurian canon carries more symbolic weight than the Holy Grail. Discover the origins and varied manifestations of the Grail, explore the most celebrated of the literary Grail narratives, and investigate why the Grail has fired the imagination of writers from the medieval world to the modern one....
28: Perfection, Holiness, and Pentecostalism
From: The History of Christian Theology
You trace the further development of American Revivalism as it was influenced by the teachings of John Wesley, who proposed that through the process of sanctification, one could attain spiritual perfection. This notion became a key tenet of Methodism as well as in the Holiness movement promoted by Phoebe Palmer and led to the concept of the baptism of the Holy Spirit in Pentecostalism.
13: Pharisees and Sadducees
From: The Holy Land Revealed
By the mid-2nd century B.C.E., various Jewish sects had established themselves. Here, compare and contrast two of the most dominant of these sects: the Pharisees and the Sadducees. What parts of society did they represent? What were their views on religious innovation and free will? With which group did Jesus probably debate?
19: Herod as Builder-Jerusalem's Temple Mount
From: The Holy Land Revealed
In the first of several lectures on Herod's great buildings, many of which served as the backdrop to Jesus's life and ministry, walk through the reconstructed Second Temple and Temple Mount. You'll visit the remains of magnificent structures, including Solomon's Stables, Robinson's Arch, the Western Wall, and the Hulda Gates.
12: The Northern Crusades
From: How the Crusades Changed History
Crusades also reached into Central and Eastern Europe between the 12th and 14th centuries. Take account of the peoples that crusaders fought in these very brutal conflicts, pagan and tribal cultures very different from their opponents in the Holy Land. Follow the campaigns against the Livonians, Balts, Prussians, and others, and the crusaders’ policy of conversion or destruction.
31: The Crusades
From: The History of Christianity: From the Disciples to the Dawn of the Reformation
The Crusades to recover the Holy Land from the Muslims represented deep ambiguities in Christian identity. Grasp the nature of these conquests as combined religious mission, popular movement, and political calculation. Then study the four most critical Crusades; their objectives, varied outcomes, and ultimate failure in both political and religious terms....
19: The Persistence of an Ideal
From: The Medieval World
Participants in the successful First Crusade set up four "Crusader states" in the Middle East, where they soon learned that accommodation was more effective than dominance. Although the Crusading presence in the Holy Land lasted less than two centuries, its impact on the European world still endures.
01: The Earliest Churches
From: The World's Greatest Churches
In visiting this iconic church of the Holy Land, trace the history of the building and of the medieval reconstruction we see today. Study the church's unusual structure, incorporating the "aedicule" believed to be the site of Jesus's burial and resurrection, as well as individual chapels reflecting events of the passion of Christ....
17: Medieval Pilgrims and Travelers
From: The Middle Ages around the World
Religious pilgrimage was a central feature of medieval life. First, visualize pilgrimage to the Holy Land through the writings of the Spanish pilgrim Egeria. Note how travel to venerate holy relics was a major lure for the faithful. Witness spiritual pilgrimage in Asia, in Japan through the diaries of Abutsu and Lady Nijo, and in the Muslim world with Ibn Battuta, Islam’s most iconic traveler.
31: Holy Qur'an
From: Sacred Texts of the World
Study the Qur'an's structure and contents, noting how the message of faith-revolutionary for its time-is spread throughout the suras (chapters). Read the beautiful poetry, explore the Qur'an's major themes, and consider how its stories compare to the same stories as told in the Old Testament of the Bible....
10: The Crusading Impulse
From: Years That Changed History: 1215
A few lectures ago, you studied the “persecution canons” of the Fourth Lateran Council and saw the tense relationship between the Church and non-Christians. Here, Professor Armstrong unpacks the background to the Crusades, beginning with Pope Urban II’s 1095 call for Christians to take the Holy Land back from the Muslims.
09: The Crusades’ Clash of Cultures, 1097–1291
From: The Middle Ages around the World
Trace the origins of the Crusades, as Europeans launched wars to recover the Holy Lands for Christendom. Follow the series of Crusades that unfolded over 200 years, initially taking Jerusalem and establishing Christian kingdoms in the Middle East. Take account of the disasters of the later Crusades, and the consequent strengthening of Islam and loss of prestige for the Western church.
