work sets the stage by highlighting the significant archaeological discoveries that have emerged over recent decades, emphasizing their role in shedding light on previously debated biblical stories. Sayce introduces readers to key aspects of ancient history, including the forgotten Hittite Empire and the decipherment of cuneiform inscriptions, which have revealed unexpected confirmations of biblical accounts, from the Creation story in Genesis to the historical figures and events surrounding the Exodus. Through this introductory discussion, the author establishes the relevance of the ancient monuments to modern understanding of biblical history, engaging readers in the intersection of archaeology, history, and theology from the very outset. (This is an automatically generated summary.)