Historians consider the theme of "crossing" central to the heritage of Israel in antiquity. Located on a tenuous landbridge on the "Fertile Crescent," ancient Israel connected the Asian powers of Babylonia with Egypt's fertile Nile Valley. Learn how this location initially shaped the destiny of the Jewish people in the past, as it has continued to do in modern times. See the intriguing archaeological artifacts that record the existence of the ancient Israelites and their geopolitical struggles with neighboring civilizations – the Egyptians, Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks and Romans.