There are a lot of things we all about the Bible. We all that the events of the Bible all take place in dry deserts with camels. We all that Jesus was born in a little wooden manger. We all that the disciples sat on the same side of a long table during the Last Supper so that Leonardo da Vinci could finish that lovely painting. If you haven't figured it out yet, none of these things are true. Many of the settings for Biblical events are in deserts, mountains, coastal retreats, agricultural centers, or gardens. Baby Jesus was most likely placed in the stone indention of a cave near Bethlehem rather than an adorable wooden manger. The last supper most likely took place using a short, round table with the disciples reclined around its perimeter... and Leonardo da Vinci was not present. Many elements of the Bible that we were taught as children are not entirely accurate. It is not that anyone sought to deceive us or lie to their children; it is simply easier to teach and understand the stories of the Bible when the settings and characters live and act in a way familiar to our 21st century minds. As we dig deeper into the events of the Bible, what we uncover is a remarkably ornate tapestry of civilizations and cultures who hosted hundreds of generations spanning thousands of years. In many instances, the words recorded in the Bible are mere summaries of broader stories involving rich cultures and fascinating people. If the Bible had been written with all of the topical context intact, there is no doubt our leather-bound scriptures would be thousands and thousands of pages long. A Christian can understand all the basics necessary to live a rich life without digging into a history book. However, by understanding the people and places surrounding the Bible, new and more nuanced lessons may be revealed. Phrases and behaviors which used to appear cryptic now become clearer. The cause and effect of God's actions start to make far more sense. All of these benefits draw us closer to understanding the God of the Bible which strengthens our faith in the Savior we carry throughout our lives today. There is a name for this sort of study in theological circles: Biblical Criticism or Biblical Historical Criticism. It is the study of the times, places, and events surrounding what we read in the scriptures. By doing this, we hope to extract deeper meaning or a new appreciation for stories we may have heard thousands of times already. What may seem mundane and boring today suddenly becomes compelling, all by allowing the words in our Bibles to through a better understanding their world! Consider this book a brief overview of Biblical criticism for everyday people. As we dive into the worlds of the past, it will be interesting to see if we find new life in stories that seem tired and overplayed. Let us see what we can learn by listening to history itself as it bears witness to Adam, Abraham, Moses, David, Jesus, and the Apostles. History has written its own testimony. In this book we will seek to explore what that testimony has to offer.