This book is not a revised Ph.D. thesis. Nor is it a textbook slanted toward graduate students in archeology. Rather, it's a plain book in simple language which attempts to present a glimpse of the years before and during Old Testament times by viewing some of the highlights.

As in the companion volume, Ludwig's Handbook of New Testament Rulers and Cities, we have studied those years through the eyes of contemporary rulers, and by walking through the streets of such cities as Nineveh, Jericho and Babylon.

Because of archaeology, and the discovery of ancient monuments and scrolls; and because we can now read cuneiform and hieroglyphics, startling new dimensions have been given to ancient writings. These new dimensions help us to see Moses, Joshua, Nebuchadnezzer, Antiochus, Epiphanes, and others in a new way. Also, they almost enable us to see-and smell such now disappeared cities as Sodom, Babylon, and Nineveh.

The story of the solution to the ancient riddles of cuneiform and hieroglyphics has edge-of-the-seat interest. But now that we know what the pharaohs had for breakfast and what they used for ink, we have many questions. Here are some which the book has tried to answer:

(1) Why did Hatshepsut-thought to be the pharaoh's daughter who rescued Moses from the bulrushes-insist on wearing a golden beard?

(2) Why does the mummy of Rameses II spend such long periods in Paris?

(3) How did Isaiah know that Cyrus would free the Babylonian exiles more than a century before Cyrus was born?

(4) Is it really true, as Edward Gibbon insists, that history is "little more than the register of the crimes, follies, and misfortunes of mankind?" Or can we see the firm hand of God molding the centuries in those faraway years?

(5) Did God ever use wicked men to do His will?

Those past millenniums are filled with interest and they can be most interesting and helpful to us as we study the Old and New Testaments. The months I have spent in writing this book have firmed my faith in Christ.

Charles Ludwig, Tucson, Arizona

"The diligent research and study found in Ludwig's Handbook of Old Testament Rulers and Cities is not available in most books on this topic. The Biblical geography and history found here will be an invaluable aid to serious students of the Bible. Even the most recent archaeological findings are included. I highly recommend this book to pastors, Sunday School teachers, youth leaders or anyone who wants to study and understand the Old Testament." Dr. Lehman Strauss, noted author, teacher, radio personality and lecturer

"Ludwig's Handbook of Old Testament Rulers and Cities provides fascinating and informative reading in bible history, geography and archaeology. Dr. Ludwig writes as if he were a native tour guide personally acquainted with each royal dignitary. He leads you through the stately steppings of emperors, their opulent palaces, and magnificent cities. The author informs his fellow-travelers of little-known intricacies, the archaeological methods, intriguing customs ands solutions to supposed mysteries. I highly recommend that every Bible scholar read this book." Dr. Paul D. Wieland, Director, Moody Correspondence School

"Now there's no excuse for avoiding the Old Testament. Charles Ludwig has skillfully synthesized Old Testament accounts with the major people, places and events of Old Testament times, and he has done so in one handy volume. It is enlightening, entertaining and very useful for every Christian." Dr. Woodrow M. Kroll, President, Practical Bible Training School