The Buried History of the World's Most Contested City: A Journey Through Time in Jerusalem

Nestled amidst rolling hills and ancient valleys, Jerusalem stands as a testament to centuries of conflict, conquest, and cultural convergence. This sacred city, revered by three major world religions, has witnessed the rise and fall of empires, the clash of armies, and the unfolding of pivotal historical events.

Beneath its present-day skyline lie layers of buried history, each era leaving its mark on the city's landscape and people. From its humble beginnings as a Canaanite settlement to its transformation into the capital of the United Kingdom of Israel, Jerusalem has played a central role in shaping the course of human civilization.

Under Jerusalem: The Buried History of the World's Most Contested City

by Andrew Lawler

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	52514 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	411 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

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The Canaanite City: Jebus

The earliest known inhabitants of Jerusalem were the Canaanites, who established the city around 2000 BC. Known as Jebus, it was a fortified stronghold located on the strategic Mount Moriah. The Canaanites controlled the city for centuries, developing a thriving trade and cultural center.

The Rise of David's Kingdom: Zion

In the 11th century BC, the Israelites, led by King David, conquered Jebus and renamed it Zion. David made Jerusalem the capital of his kingdom, establishing it as the religious and political heart of the Israelites.

The Divided Kingdom: Judea and Jerusalem

After the death of Solomon, David's son, the United Kingdom of Israel split into two kingdoms: the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. Jerusalem remained the capital of Judah.

Conquest and Destruction: Nebuchadnezzar's Siege

In 597 BC, Nebuchadnezzar II, king of Babylonia, laid siege to Jerusalem. After two years, the city fell, and the Babylonians destroyed the Temple of Solomon. The majority of the Jewish population was exiled to Babylon.

Rebuilding Jerusalem: The Return from Exile

After 50 years of exile, the Jewish people were allowed to return to Jerusalem by the Persian king Cyrus the Great. They rebuilt the Second Temple and the city walls, restoring Jerusalem as the center of Jewish life.

Roman Conquest and the Destruction of the Second Temple

In 63 BC, Jerusalem came under Roman rule. The Roman Empire imposed harsh taxes and laws, leading to widespread unrest among the Jewish population.

In 70 AD, the Jewish people revolted against Roman rule, triggering the Jewish-Roman War. The war culminated in the destruction of the Second Temple and most of Jerusalem by the Roman army under Emperor Titus.

Christian Rule: The Byzantine Period

After the Jewish-Roman War, Jerusalem became a Christian city under Byzantine rule. The Byzantine emperors, such as Constantine, built numerous churches and monasteries in the city, turning it into a major pilgrimage center.

Islamic Conquest and the Dome of the Rock

In 638 AD, the Islamic Arab army conquered Jerusalem from the Byzantines. The city became part of the Umayyad Caliphate, and the Umayyad Caliph Abd al-Malik built the Dome of the Rock on the Temple Mount.

Crusades and the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem

In the 11th and 12th centuries, European Crusaders captured Jerusalem from the Muslims during the Crusades. The city became the capital of the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem, founded by Godfrey of Bouillon.

Muslim Reconquest and Ottoman Rule

In 1187 AD, the Ayyubid Sultan Salah ad-Din reconquered Jerusalem from the Crusaders. The city became part of the Ayyubid dynasty, followed by the Mamluk dynasty.

In the 16th century, the Ottoman Empire conquered Jerusalem. The Ottomans ruled the city for over 400 years, leaving their mark on the city's architecture and cultural heritage.

British Mandate and the Birth of Israel

After the First World War, Jerusalem came under British rule as part of the British Mandate of Palestine. The British played a role in the city's development and infrastructure, but also faced resistance from the Arab and Jewish populations.

In 1948, the British Mandate ended, and Jerusalem was divided between Jordan and Israel. The eastern part of the city, including the Old City, was occupied by Jordan, while the western part was controlled by Israel.

Six-Day War and the Reunification of Jerusalem

In 1967, Israel occupied East Jerusalem during the Six-Day War. The city was reunified under Israeli control, but its status remained disputed by the international community.

Ongoing Conflict and the Future of Jerusalem

Jerusalem remains a contested city, with its status being a key issue in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The city is holy to Jews, Muslims, and Christians, and its future is inextricably linked to the resolution of the conflict between these three faiths.

As the world's most contested city, Jerusalem's story is a testament to the enduring power of religion, the resilience of human spirit, and the challenges of co-existence. The city's future remains uncertain, but one thing is for sure: Jerusalem will continue to captivate and intrigue generations to come.

Under Jerusalem: The Buried History of the World's Most Contested City

by Andrew Lawler

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	52514 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	411 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE