Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

I really liked this book, well written and easy to read . What drew me was the depiction of the Holy Land at and around the time of Christs' life. It provides vital context to set against how he and his followers coped with the Roman Empire and also their own religious leaders. I was not disappointed in Steven Rutledges' narrative, he draws the background well and it is a very accessible book for lay people and students alike. He covers the wider areas around the Holy Land and I was interested in how the Christian message was carried throughout the Middle east. I can recommend The Death of Christ highly.

NetGalley, Carol Elizabeth Keogh

A simply fascinating, thought-provoking, and impressively well presented study, Professor Steven Rutledge's "The Death of Christ: The Bible and Popular Culture vs Archaeological and Historical Evidence" includes maps, illustrations, family trees, a glossary, chapter notes, a bibliography, and an index. An exceptional work of meticulous research and simply outstanding scholarship, "The Death of Christ: The Bible and Popular Culture vs Archaeological and Historical Evidence" is a unique and strongly recommended addition to personal, community, and academic library Christian History and Archaeology collections.

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Midwest Book Review

This is an amazing piece of history that will fascinate believers and non-believers alike. The life and death of the most important person in so many billions of peoples' lives will resonate for years to come. This is a terrific piece of ancient history that cannot fail to move the reader.

Books Monthly

"Despite this, it is well written, easy to read, thoughtful and stimulating. The complex narrative deserves a time line of important events and activities but the text is assisted by useful maps, a Glossary of terms, with excellent Notes, a Bibliography and Index, plus several family trees, vital to understanding a huge cast of characters often with similar names."

Norfolk Family History Society - The Ancestor Magazine, September 2022

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

A very well written and researched boom, from both historical and biblical aspects. I highly recommend this book! I valuable source of information about the Romans and the times when Christ lived among us.

NetGalley, Alina Melinda

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

The Death of Christ is a well researched and written book including historical and Biblical accounts of the Roman world Jesus was born into (slavery, bribery, religious ceremonies, corrupt politics, purification) and what was happening at the same time He was performing miracles, healing and gathering disciples. Roman background is described, drawing from written accounts of Josephus, Pliny, Levy and Tacitus, the latter who wrote about the critical years of AD 14 to AD 68. Christ was a Jew who polarized folks...some reviled Him and His teachings, others were threatened by His pronouncements and still others were curious. His disciples and followers grew in leaps and bounds and they lived their lives in stark contrast with those of Romans...in a Roman-centric region. This caused friction and led to Christ's crucifixion.

Some prominent figures in this book include Agrippa and Agrippina, Tiberius, Pontius Pilate, Herod Antipas, Julius Caesar. Claudius, John the Baptist, Peter and Paul (who led the "resistance"). Sejanus appointed Pontius Pilate. Pilate and Herod Agrippa were reluctant to have Jesus crucified and reasons are explained here. Tacitus explains who Christ was. Unlike other religious leaders he spoke with empathy about loving one's enemy, peace and forgiveness. He hung out with and welcomed prostitutes and tax collectors, cast-off lepers...but these ordinary relatable people were used by God to do great things. Herod heard about miracles and wanted to see something spectacular so was disappointed when it didn't happen. Judas Iscariot was an informant, a delator (unfamiliar term to me) who betrayed Jesus for silver.

Though heavy in places, the information is compelling and thought provoking. Anyone fascinated by contemporary events during the time of Jesus ought to read this insightful book. Included are photographs of sculptures, reliefs and paintings of greats including Caravaggio. I am grateful to have spent time in Rome where I imagine what life must have been like in those times of political upheaval, persecution, terrible executions but also introduction of the arts, culture and architecture. Though I am familiar with the teachings and life of Christ there is much here to learn for any level of enthusiast. The maps and family trees are helpful.

My sincere thank you to Pen & Sword for allowing me the privilege of reading this enthralling book and learning more about the personalities of those who lived during this important time of Christ.

NetGalley, Brenda Carleton

I think it's an interesting and thought provoking book. The author knows what he's talking about and it made me wish I could learn more about those times and his theories.
Recommended.

NetGalley, Anna Maria Giacomasso