FOR CENTURIES, ARCHEOLOGISTS HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR THE ALTAR THAT JOSHUA SON OF NUN BUILT FOLLOWING THE COMMANDS OF MOSES.

But the altar was not found. This led many archeologists to claim that the ceremony of the Blessings and the Curses on Mt. Ebal and Mt. Gerizim never happened . . .

In 1981, a young secular archeologist led a survey of Mt. Ebal. He stumbled upon a big pile of stones circled by a strange looking enclosure. Little did he know that he'd found what is one of the most important archeological discoveries of the 20th century!

Professor Adam Zertal tells the story of one of the most interesting scientific discoveries of our generation in clear and understandable terms and exposes hidden layers in the history of the Land of Israel. He summarizes the process of his discovery and excavation of the Altar site. And then he goes on to explains his rationale and analysis of the data concerning the truth of a literal entry of the Israelites into the Land of Canaan, the birth of Ancient Israel, and the subsequent development of the new nation.

A Nation Born is a compelling saga covering more than two decades of Professor Zertal’s life and work in the Heartland of Israel—Judea and Samaria. This is as much a professional record as it is a personal memoir of his adventures and discoveries, including triumphs and challenges.