Ancient Near East

The Pilgrim’s Shelter from Babylon to Jerusalem

In the days of old, when the children of Israel were scattered among the nations, many set their faces toward Jerusalem, the city of the great King, yearning to behold the House of the Lord. From the plains of Babylon to the holy mount Zion, the way was long and oftentimes perilous, but the pilgrim’s heart was steadfast, for they sought the God of ...

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The Inns of the Highways and the Watchmen of the Roads

In the days when men journeyed from city to city, and from mountain to plain, there arose the need for places of rest, and of shelter from the sun’s heat and the robbers by night. And thus were established the inns of the highways, that the weary traveler might find respite for his soul and bread for his belly. These were humble dwellings set by th...

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Lodging Houses and Caravanserais in the Ancient East

In the days of old, when the kings of the earth ruled and the caravans traversed the vast wilderness, there arose along the ancient roads a network of resting places for the weary traveler. These were the lodging houses and caravanserais of the Ancient East—havens where those journeying afar might find respite, sustenance, and safety beneath the wa...

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