Biblical historians saw history through the eyes of faith; their writings reflect and reveal their beliefs. Today's historian has to recognize this. Yet, while the historical books of the Bible may not be read as `pure' history they do undoubtedly reflect the events of their times. This far-reaching enquiry show how large parts of the Old Testament were inspired by the exile in Babylon, and how without the existence of the Roman Empire an obscure Jewish sect could never have developed into the dominating religion of the Western world. Now available in paperback.