Nicely done, but limited. E.g. the Inca and Mayan Empires were more extensive than many of those listed. Their wars were certainly as violent as any.

I remember seeing this when if first came out. Awesome!

Witherington, I’m off subject, but had to tell you I was apoplectic when i saw the title of your latest book! I never figured you to be a prosperity preacher! [seriously, I'm sure it's a good balanced read- and maybe the title will draw in a few folks who think it's a money making scheme- wise as serpents, harmless as doves. yes, this time you fit the serpent image]
Blessings, John

Hi Douglas. Much as I like Incan and Mayan history (though their calendars are not helpful), it is of no relevance to the subject here which is ‘the Biblical world’ of the ANE’.
And John, its all about the publishers you know— I’m not a prosperity preacher. Quite the opposite. But they want to sell books, and give them titles that do so.
BW3

Wow, fantastic! I just purchased and started reading The Wycliffe Historical Geography of Bible Lands which is quite good. Your map survey enhances the reading experience quite well. Thanks.

Ben I was kidding brother! I know you do not fit the prosperity theology at all. God bless, John

Among the more colorful discoveries of Sir Flinders Petrie at Tell er–Retaba in norther Egypt was a bowl of blue glaze with nineteen frogs sitting around the bowl and others scrambling up the sides of the interior. In the middle of the inside a large frog sits enthroned upon a pedestal. The bowl probably dates from the Twenty–second Dynasty (c. 945–745 B.C.).
Does anyone have a clue where or even if this frog bowl can be viewed as a museum piece? I have had no luck tracking it down.

Well Doc,
Doesn’t seem like you played much football growing up. A good hit? We lived for that when I was a kid. The day after a game? Ohhhh – that was not a good day. My friends who, like me, grew up playing football laugh about our aches and pains and lingering injuries of 30 and 40 years ago. One kid in my high school was killed by a hit during practice – broke his back. I came within a hair’s breath of breaking my neck in Jr. High. And taunting has been an integral part of the game forever. As the players know, it’s not personal and both sides laugh about it after it’s over.
There are two differences today. First – players are much bigger and faster. 300 plus pounds and 40 yards in 4.5 seconds is not a dream anymore in the pros. It’s not an unheard of in high school. Glad I was never that good a player.
And, of course, money. I don’t envy those making a ton of money in sports – don’t really think I should either. And ticket prices don’t bother me since I have never enjoyed watching others play a game – unless it’s one of my kids – then it’s priceless (and free).
My older daughter was in sports and band in high school (and many other things) but band was far, far, faaaar, more demanding of her time (and expensive). Coaches made her work during practice but were understanding of demands of class, band, church, etc. Band, however, (including the other parents) thought it was the only objective in life. Seems that priorities are our of whack everywhere you want to look, including church. We have a great church that works hard, emphasizes involvement and proper priorities and balance. But I’ve been a part of churches that try to abuse their members with “involvement” and talk “smack” about other churches or members who don’t follow along. Only, no one laughs and shakes hands after the game.