"All of us need to return to Nazareth."
— Pope Benedict XVI, from his visit to Nazareth, 2009

After the best-selling archaeological biography Mary of Nazareth, Michael Hesemann sets out once again for the Holy Land, this time seeking traces of perhaps the most mysterious figure in human history: Jesus of Nazareth, whom Christians believe to be the Son of God, the Messiah.

In this unique book, Hesemann walks the streets of Israel in order to put historical, archaeological, geographical, and scriptural research on Jesus to the test. Bible in hand, he takes readers on a stunning tour through the places Jesus lived, worked, and suffered—Bethlehem, Nazareth, Capernaum, Jerusalem—to give a concrete and colorful sense of the historical Jesus and the world he knew.

Along the way, archaeologists reveal to Hesemann a host of little-known discoveries, from the apostles' boat to Herod's palace to what might be the sites of Jesus' miracles. This book brings readers face-to-face with the mystery of the Incarnation—a God who, if Scripture is right, became man and lived among us. Pack your bag and follow closely as Michael Hesemann retraces the footsteps of Jesus of Nazareth.

"Michael Hesemann has dug deeply—quite literally—in writing this mesmerizing book, which effortlessly combines history, mystery, archaeology, faith, science, and adventure in a seamless and often breathtaking fashion. He brings history alive and shows how deep and ancient and real are the roots of the Christian faith."
— Carl E. Olson, Editor, Catholic World Report; Author, Did Jesus Really Rise from the Dead?

"Hesemann searches under every stone and through forgotten documents to discover fascinating archaeological facts about our Lord and his world. With probing questions and interesting theories, he takes us on an exciting journey through the Holy Land that reads like a thrilling detective story."
— Steve Ray, Author, Upon This Rock; Host, The Footprints of God film series

"Hesemann's up-close experience shines forth on every page. 'Behold the man, behold God', he invites us. He succeeds in this admirably, offering a vision as immediate and sharp as a breeze from the Sea of Galilee.”
— David Pinault, Ph.D., Professor of Religious Studies, Santa Clara University; Author, The Crucifix on Mecca's Front Porch

"A well-researched book. It is inspiring to hear objective reality about Jesus of Nazareth and refreshing to see the historical and archaeological facts for his existence."
— Terry Barber, Author, How to Share Your Faith with Anyone; Radio Host, Virgin Most Powerful

"Saint Jerome referred to the Holy Land as 'the Fifth Gospel', by which he meant that the very stones speak of the One who sanctified that land by his tarrying among us. A prayerful entry into this work will demonstrate the validity of Jerome's insight."
— Fr. Peter M. J. Stravinskas, Ph.D., S.T.D., Editor, The Catholic Response