Jerusalem is a city with a long and complex history that stretches back thousands of years. It is considered one of the most important holy cities in the world, with religious significance for Jews, Christians, and Muslims. The founding of Jerusalem is a topic of much debate among historians and scholars, with different theories and accounts providing varying perspectives on the city’s origins.
According to archaeological evidence, the first settlement in Jerusalem was established near Gihon Spring between 3000 and 2800 BCE. The city was first mentioned in c. 2000 BCE in the Middle Kingdom Egyptian Execration Texts, where it was recorded as Rusalimum. Over the centuries, Jerusalem has been ruled by various empires and dynasties, including the Israelites, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, and Ottomans.
Despite its tumultuous history, Jerusalem remains an important cultural and religious center, attracting millions of visitors from around the world each year. Understanding the history of Jerusalem is essential to understanding the city’s significance and its place in world history.
Prehistoric Foundations
Jerusalem’s history dates back to prehistoric times, with the first settlements established between 3000 and 2800 BCE. The city’s location near the Gihon Spring made it an ideal spot for early human habitation. Archaeological evidence suggests that the city was inhabited early in human history, but not continuously.
Chalcolithic Period
The Chalcolithic period, also known as the Copper Age, saw the development of early human societies in the region. During this time, the inhabitants of Jerusalem were engaged in agriculture, animal husbandry, and the production of copper tools and weapons.
Bronze Age Settlements
The Bronze Age saw the rise of several settlements in the region, including Jerusalem. The first mention of the city was in c. 2000 BCE in the Middle Kingdom Egyptian Execration Texts, in which the city was recorded as Rusalimum. The city was conquered by the Canaanites (Jebusites) in 1200 BCE, and it remained under their control until King David conquered it in 1000 BCE.
The early inhabitants of Jerusalem were engaged in trade with neighboring regions, including Egypt and Mesopotamia. The city’s strategic location made it a center of commerce and culture in the ancient world. The city’s rich history and cultural heritage continue to attract visitors from around the world to this day.
Canaanite and Jebusite Eras
Canaanite Origins
The history of Jerusalem dates back to the Canaanite era, when the city was known as Jebus. The Canaanites were a Semitic-speaking people who inhabited the region of modern-day Israel and Palestine during the second millennium BCE. The city of Jebus was founded near the Gihon Spring, which was the only permanent water source in the area.
The Canaanites were skilled farmers, and they developed an extensive irrigation system that allowed them to grow crops in the arid region. They also traded with neighboring peoples, and Jebus became an important center of commerce and culture.
Jebusite Stronghold
Around 1000 BCE, the Israelites under King David conquered the city of Jebus and renamed it Jerusalem. However, the Jebusites continued to live in the city alongside the Israelites. The Jebusites were skilled builders, and they had constructed a formidable fortress on the hill overlooking the Gihon Spring. This fortress, known as the City of David, became the center of the Israelite kingdom.
The Jebusites were also known for their religious practices, which included the worship of a god named Melqart. The Israelites gradually adopted many of the Jebusite customs and beliefs, and the two cultures blended together over time.
In conclusion, the Canaanite and Jebusite eras were crucial periods in the history of Jerusalem. The Canaanites established the city and developed its infrastructure, while the Jebusites built a strong fortress and contributed to the city’s cultural and religious heritage.
King David’s Conquest
King David, one of the most prominent figures in Jewish history, is credited with the conquest of Jerusalem. According to the Bible, he captured the city from the Jebusites around 1000 BCE. This event marked the beginning of Jerusalem’s status as the capital city of the Jewish kingdom.
Capture of Jerusalem
The capture of Jerusalem by King David was a significant military achievement. The city was located on a hill, making it a formidable stronghold. The Jebusites, who inhabited the city at the time, believed that even the blind and the lame could defend it against any attacker. However, King David and his army managed to breach the city’s defenses and capture it.
City of David
After capturing Jerusalem, King David established his capital there and named it the City of David. This area was located on the southeastern ridge of the city and was fortified by a wall. King David also built a palace in the city, which was later expanded by his son, King Solomon.
Today, the City of David is an archaeological site that attracts visitors from around the world. It is considered one of the most important historical sites in Jerusalem and is believed to be the place where King David established his capital. The site contains many artifacts and structures from the time of King David, including the remains of his palace and the fortifications that surrounded the city.
Solomon’s Expansion
During the reign of King Solomon, Jerusalem underwent significant expansion and development. This period marked the beginning of the city’s transformation into a major political, religious, and cultural center in the ancient world.
First Temple Construction
One of the most significant events during Solomon’s reign was the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem. According to the Bible, Solomon built the Temple on Mount Moriah, which was believed to be the site where Abraham had offered his son Isaac as a sacrifice. The construction of the Temple took seven years and was completed in 957 BCE. The Temple was a grand structure, adorned with gold, silver, and precious stones. It was considered the most important religious site in ancient Israel and was the center of Jewish worship for centuries.
Administrative Center
In addition to the construction of the Temple, Solomon also established Jerusalem as the administrative center of his kingdom. He built a palace for himself and his family within the city walls and developed a sophisticated system of government. Jerusalem became the seat of power for the Israelite monarchy, and the city’s importance continued to grow over time.
Under Solomon’s leadership, Jerusalem became a thriving city with a strong economy and a vibrant cultural scene. The city’s strategic location at the crossroads of major trade routes made it a hub of commerce and a center of intellectual exchange. The legacy of Solomon’s expansion and development of Jerusalem can still be seen in the city today, with many of the ancient structures and landmarks still standing as a testament to the city’s rich history.
Babylonian Siege and Exile
The Babylonian Siege and Exile was a significant event in the history of Jerusalem. It marked the destruction of the First Temple and the exile of the Jewish people from their homeland.
Destruction of the First Temple
The Babylonian Siege of Jerusalem began in 587 BCE, when King Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon attacked the city. The siege lasted for several months, during which time the city was subjected to famine and disease. Finally, in 586 BCE, the Babylonians breached the walls of the city and destroyed the First Temple.
The destruction of the Temple was a devastating blow to the Jewish people. The Temple was the center of Jewish worship and the site of many important religious ceremonies. Its destruction marked the end of an era and the beginning of a long period of exile and wandering.
Jewish Exile
Following the destruction of the Temple, many Jewish people were taken into captivity by the Babylonians. This period of exile, known as the Babylonian Captivity, lasted for several decades. During this time, the Jewish people were forced to live in Babylon and were unable to return to their homeland.
Despite the challenges they faced, the Jewish people managed to maintain their faith and identity during the Babylonian Captivity. They continued to practice their religion and to pass down their traditions from generation to generation.
In 538 BCE, the Persian conqueror of Babylonia, Cyrus the Great, gave the Jews permission to return to Palestine. This marked the end of the Babylonian Captivity and the beginning of a new era for the Jewish people. They returned to their homeland and began the process of rebuilding their lives and their community.
Persian and Hellenistic Periods
Second Temple Construction
During the Persian period, the Jews were allowed to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple, which had been destroyed by the Babylonians. The construction of the Second Temple began in 516 BCE, and the work was completed four years later. The new Temple was smaller than the previous one, but it was still an impressive structure that served as the center of Jewish worship for centuries.
Hellenistic Influence
In the 4th century BCE, Alexander the Great conquered the Persian Empire and brought Hellenistic culture to the region. This had a significant impact on Jerusalem, as the city became a center of Greek culture and learning. The Hellenistic influence can be seen in the architecture of the city, as well as in the art and literature produced during this period.
However, the Hellenistic influence was not universally accepted in Jerusalem. Some Jews resisted the influence of Greek culture, and there were frequent conflicts between those who embraced Hellenism and those who opposed it. These conflicts would continue for centuries, and they would eventually lead to the Jewish Revolt against the Romans in 66 CE.
Overall, the Persian and Hellenistic periods were significant periods in the history of Jerusalem. The construction of the Second Temple and the introduction of Hellenistic culture had a lasting impact on the city and its people.
Roman Conquest and Rebellion
Jerusalem’s history is closely linked to the Roman Empire. In 63 BCE, the Roman triumvir Pompey the Great captured Jerusalem, and Rome began to expand its authority in Asia. A clash with Jewish nationalism was averted for a while by the political skill of a remarkable family whose most illustrious member was Herod the Great. Herod was of Edomite descent, though of Jewish faith, and was allied with Rome. He ruled Jerusalem as a Roman client king from 37 BCE to 4 BCE and undertook extensive renovations in the city.
Herodian Renovations
During the Herodian period, Jerusalem underwent significant renovations. Herod the Great built the Antonia Fortress, which served as a military barracks and was located adjacent to the Temple Mount. He also expanded the Temple Mount and built the Second Temple, which was considered one of the most magnificent structures in the ancient world. The Temple was the center of Jewish worship and the focus of Jewish national identity.
Great Jewish Revolt
In 66 CE, the Jews launched a revolt against Rome, which led to a four-year campaign against the Jewish insurgency in Judea. The Romans destroyed much of the city, including the Second Temple. The majority of information on the siege comes from the copious notes of the Jewish historian Flavius Josephus. The revolt was a response to Roman oppression and the imposition of Roman rule on the Jewish people. The Jews sought to regain their independence and establish a sovereign state in Judea.
Destruction of the Second Temple
The destruction of the Second Temple by the Romans in 70 CE was a major turning point in Jewish history. It marked the end of the Second Temple period and the beginning of the exile of the Jewish people from their homeland. The Temple was not only a religious center but also a symbol of Jewish national identity and sovereignty. Its destruction was a traumatic event that had a profound impact on the Jewish people. The Romans destroyed much of the city, and the Jews were dispersed throughout the Roman Empire. The destruction of the Temple led to the development of new forms of Judaism, including Rabbinic Judaism, which emphasized the study of the Torah and the preservation of Jewish tradition.
Byzantine Rule and Christianization
During the Byzantine rule of Jerusalem, which lasted from 324 to 638 CE, the city underwent significant changes. Christianity became the dominant religion, and Jerusalem became an important center for Christian pilgrimage.
Early Christian Pilgrimages
The Byzantine Empire encouraged Christian pilgrimages to Jerusalem, and as a result, many churches were built in the city. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which was built on the site where Jesus was crucified and buried, was one of the most important churches built during this period. Other churches built during this time include the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem and the Church of the Ascension on the Mount of Olives.
Church Building
The Byzantine Empire also encouraged the building of churches outside of Jerusalem. The Church of St. George in Madaba, Jordan, which was built in the 6th century, contains a famous mosaic map of the Holy Land. The church was built by the Byzantine Empire to commemorate the site where St. George is said to have slain the dragon.
During the Byzantine rule of Jerusalem, Christianity became an integral part of the city’s identity. The construction of churches and the encouragement of Christian pilgrimage helped to establish Jerusalem as an important religious center.
Islamic Caliphates and Crusades
Umayyad Period
After the Muslim conquest of Jerusalem in 638 CE, the city was transformed into an important center of Islamic culture and religion. During the Umayyad period, which lasted from 661 to 750 CE, the city underwent significant changes, including the construction of the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque. These two structures remain among the most important religious sites in Islam today.
Jerusalem was also an important center of trade and commerce during the Umayyad period, with merchants from across the Middle East and beyond coming to the city to buy and sell goods. The city’s strategic location on the trade routes between Asia, Africa, and Europe made it an important hub of economic activity.
Crusader Kingdom
In 1099, Jerusalem was captured by the Crusaders, who established a Christian kingdom in the city and the surrounding region. During this period, many of the city’s Islamic landmarks were destroyed or converted into Christian churches. However, the Crusader kingdom was short-lived, and Jerusalem was recaptured by Muslim forces under the leadership of Saladin in 1187.
Despite the destruction and violence that occurred during the Crusader period, the city continued to be an important center of Islamic culture and religion. Many of the city’s Islamic landmarks were rebuilt or restored, including the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Today, Jerusalem remains an important center of religious and cultural significance for Muslims around the world.
Mamluk and Ottoman Control
Mamluk Sultanate
The Mamluk Sultanate was a state that ruled Egypt, the Levant, and the Hejaz from the mid-13th to the early 16th centuries. It was ruled by a military caste of Mamluks (freed slave soldiers) headed by a sultan. During their rule, they established control over Jerusalem and made significant improvements to the city.
The Mamluks built several structures and monuments in Jerusalem, including the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock. They also constructed a number of public buildings, such as schools and hospitals, to improve the quality of life for the people living in the city.
Ottoman Improvements
In 1517, the Ottoman Empire conquered Jerusalem and took control of the city. Under Ottoman rule, Jerusalem underwent significant improvements. The Ottomans built several public buildings, including bathhouses, schools, and hospitals. They also constructed new roads and improved the existing ones.
One of the most significant Ottoman improvements was the construction of the walls around the Old City. The walls were built in the mid-16th century and are still standing today. The Ottomans also built several gates in the walls, including the Jaffa Gate and the Damascus Gate.
In addition to these improvements, the Ottomans also made significant changes to the political and administrative structure of Jerusalem. They established a new administrative system and appointed a governor to oversee the city. This system remained in place until the end of Ottoman rule in 1917.
Overall, the Mamluks and Ottomans played a significant role in the history of Jerusalem. Their contributions helped shape the city into what it is today.
Modern Era and Statehood
British Mandate
During the British Mandate period, Jerusalem was under British control from 1917 to 1948. During this time, the city saw significant growth and modernization. The British established institutions such as the Palestine Broadcasting Service and the Hebrew University, which helped to promote cultural and educational development in the city.
Establishment of Israel
In 1948, the State of Israel was established, and Jerusalem became a divided city. The western part of the city was controlled by Israel, while the eastern part was controlled by Jordan. This division lasted until the Six-Day War in 1967, when Israel captured the eastern part of the city and reunified Jerusalem.
Jerusalem Reunification
The reunification of Jerusalem was a significant event in the history of the city. It marked the end of the division of the city and the beginning of a new era of development and growth. Since then, Jerusalem has become the capital of Israel and has seen significant investment in infrastructure and development.
Today, Jerusalem is a vibrant and diverse city, with a rich history and culture that attracts visitors from around the world. Despite its complex political situation, the city remains a symbol of hope and unity, and a testament to the resilience and strength of its people.
