Ancient Cities of the Arab World, Volume I

This title in the six-volume series The Arab World visits three of the world's oldest cities: Syria's Aleppo and Damascus (the “Mother of All Cities”), and Jordan's Petra. Each is featured in a separate segment boasting sweeping photography and somewhat ponderous narration. The eerie ruins of Petra provide the backdrop for the history of the Nabateans, a nomadic tribe who were eventually folded into the Roman Empire, and then forgotten for nearly 18 centuries. In Damascus, viewers will see the stunning Umayyad (or Great Mosque) and learn about Islamic religion, practiced by the majority of Middle Eastern countries. Aleppo stood at the center of many ancient trade routes, a busy marketplace (or souk) that remains vital today to the economic and social life of the Arab world. While a little slow at times, this triptych still offers an excellent--and beautiful--journey into the cultural past, with relevant connections made to modern Arabic life. Other titles in the series include: Ancient Trade Routes of the Arab World, Arab Dynasties, and Art & Architecture of the Arab World. Recommended. Aud: J, H, P. (E. Gieschen)