An assessment of the nature and social continuity of Christian communities in Palestine from 602-813. By synthesizing literary and archaeological evidence, it provides a detailed discussion of disparate historical and archaeological data.

In the first part, the Sasanian, Byzantine and early Muslim invasions of southern Syria and the changing of government policies towards Christians are discussed. Topical studies about church use, conversion and iconoclasm, are also included.

The second part offers a useful alphabetical list of more than 500 sites that document Christian and Muslim presence and settlement in the area.

"... the book does a great service to those interested in the area and its Christian population..." (John Haldon)