This rich and magisterial work traces Palestine's millennia-old heritage uncovering cultures
and societies of astounding depth and complexity that stretch back to the very beginnings of
recorded history. Starting with the earliest references in Egyptian and Assyrian texts Nur
Masalha explores how Palestine and its Palestinian identity have evolved over thousands of
years from the Bronze Age to the present day. Drawing on a rich body of sources and the latest
archaeological evidence Masalha shows how Palestine's multicultural past has been distorted
and mythologised by Biblical lore and the Israel-Palestinian conflict. In the process Masalha
reveals that the concept of Palestine contrary to accepted belief is not a modern invention
or one constructed in opposition to Israel but rooted firmly in ancient past. Palestine
represents the authoritative account of the country's history.
