This course introduces you to the daily lives of ancient Israelites from the time of the Patriarchs (ca. 1800 BCE) to the era of Hillel the Elder and Jesus of Nazareth (1st century CE). After a brief historical overview, we'll travel the dusty roads of the Holy Land to visit cities and villages from different periods that tell the story of what our ancestors did, ate, believed, celebrated and endured. Topics will include: deities and temples in Israel and Canaan, winemaking and food, and a tour of Jerusalem in the time of Hillel and Jesus. We will also explore how new archaeological discoveries affect our understanding of our heritage.