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.