Life At The Crossroads: History of Gaza

Continuously inhabited for more than 3,000 years at a key strategic crossroads of the region, it has witnessed the rise and fall of dozens of kingdoms and dynasties. Life at the Crossroads gives the rich history of Gaza from ancient times until the present. The strategic importance of the area geographically is addressed as a crossroads of culture. The role of Gaza in the current conflict with Israel is analyzed in its historical context.The book culminates with the two intifadas and the Israeli war on Gaza in 2008-09, explaining the territory's association with the development of the Islamic movement within the Palestinian community. This book reveals the rich history of Gaza. Continuously inhabited for more than 3,000 years at a key strategic crossroads of the region, it has witnessed the rise and fall of dozens of kingdoms and dynasties. As well as considering the early period, the age of the Pharaohs and the Philistines of the Bible, Life At The Crossroads includes accounts of the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine eras. The coming of Islam, the interlude of the Crusades and the long period of Ottoman domination bring the story up to the First World War. The crucial history of Gaza in the 20th century is discussed in the period of the British Mandate and the conflicts with Israel. "They are among the world's longest-suffering people but also its greatest, most resilient survivors" - THE NATIONAL "...a lively, intelligent and highly readable history of Gaza." - MIDDLE EAST JOURNAL "...the first comprehensive history of Gaza." - MIDDLE EAST INTERNATIONAL "The Gaza Strip could easily have been seen here, had it not been for one simple difference between Cyprus and Palestine." - SUNDAY MAIL "Life at the Crossroads is key to understanding just what a fabulous gem it (Gaza) is." - THIS WEEK IN PALESTINE