Gods in the Desert explores the fascinating religious cultures of the ancient Near East. From the mysterious pyramids, tombs, and temples of Egypt to the powerful heroes, gods, and legends of Mesopotamia, Glenn Holland guides readers through the early religions that are the root of many of today's major faiths. Holland compares the religions of ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Syria-Palestine, including Israel and Judah, from the Neolithic era through the conquest of Alexander the Great. He provides a historical survey of each region, then discusses the gods, the rulers, the afterlife, and the worship rituals. This accessible overview makes clear how these religions converged and diverged, and are intimately connected to many of the religions we recognize today, sometimes in surprising ways.

"With so much contemporary attention focused on the Middle East, the time is opportune for a clear, well-written, up-to-date introduction to its earlier counterpart, the ancient Near East. Holland magnificently succeeds in providing such a work. . . . Holland's writing is free of jargon; all terms, including religion, are carefully defined, and the volume offers many aids, including maps, a time line, and glossary. . . . Highly recommended." - CHOICE, March 2010

"Survey books tend to oversimplify, but this book provides a nuanced presentation of ancient religious practice. If used for undergraduate teaching, this book would be useful as a resource, providing general descriptions of ancient Egyptian and Mesopotamian religions." - Historian