Readers of the Bible quickly recognize that the number of place names and locations mentioned in the text -- most of them unfamiliar -- is stupifying. The geographical references range eastward as far as India and westward to Spain. Between these limits, the Middle East itself contains numerous states, cities, villages, mountains, rivers ... many of the names have changed from century to century. Thus, in order to have a grasp of what is happening in a particular text, it is extremely helpful to have a set of maps, so that you can follow the narrative in your mind's eye. (from the website)