This morning I’ve purchased Todd Bolen’s new Persia volume (#19), in his Pictorial Library of the Bible Lands series. It will be a valuable addition to the series. One reason is that of the numerous sites themselves (Ecbantana, Persepolis, Susa, Zagros Mountains, plus, People/Scenes of Persia) and the obvious benefit to especially Old Testament and “Between the Testaments” studies. But especially is this true as these sites included have been of recent years the most inaccessible.
The DVD/download includes 22 PPT presentations. The one on Persepolis has 165 slides. 168 slides on the Persepolis staircase reliefs. The usual helpful identification of sites/artifacts and brief notes are included.
I have used Dr. Bolen’s material since 2003, having been introduced to his resources by Ferrell Jenkins. (This Persian volume of the Pictorial Library is dedicated to Ferrell Jenkins. In his “acknowledgements” in the DVD Todd says, “This volume is dedicated to Ferrell Jenkins. Ferrell has been guiding tours throughout the Middle East for over 50 years, and Persia is one of the few places he has not yet visited”).
I have recommended the Pictorial Library to my preacher/teacher friends, as well as including this in our church resource room. I am happy to recommend this new volume. See his current newsletter here:
BiblePlaces Newsletter
Vol 17, #3 – December 3, 2018I never thought I’d make a photo collection for Persia. Ever since I was a boy watching the US hostage crisis on TV, followed by footage of the Iran-Iraq War, it seemed hardly possible that I’d be able to travel throughout the heart of the Persian Empire. But I was wrong.
The opportunity came earlier this year, and the trip was everything I could have hoped for and more. I was able to visit every site on my itinerary, following in the footsteps of such figures as Cyrus, Darius, Xerxes, and Artaxerxes. I saw the famous Behistun Inscription, walked around one of the best preserved ziggurats, explored numerous museums, and marveled at the well-preserved tomb of King Cyrus. You can still see the ancient necropolis where Darius, Xerxes, and Artaxerxes carved their tombs into a cliffside, and the famous Persian gardens (from whence we get our word “paradise”) are as beautiful as they say. The people were friendly and the food was fantastic. The highlight for me was walking through the ancient palace where Esther approached Ahasuerus to beg him to stop the evil plot of Haman.
I’m excited now to announce that our new Persia volume is available. It includes more photographs than any other in the Pictorial Library of the Bible Lands series, and everything is included in both jpg and PowerPoint formats. The PowerPoint files include notes that explain what you’re looking at in the photos. Whether this inspires you to plan your own trip or provides a virtual tour in place of your own, we think you’ll find the Persia collection both enjoyable and instructive.
You can order the Persia volume at the introductory price of $25 (download or DVD or both). Keep reading to learn about some of our favorite photos from the trip.
Todd Bolen
Photographer, BiblePlaces.com
Professor of Biblical Studies, The Master’s University
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