The city of Jerusalem is an ancient city located in the region of Judah. It now serves as the capital of the recently formed state of Israel but has a history that spans 6000 years. It is the known to be the holiest city for Jews and Christians but is also a very holy city for Muslims. It as been the spiritual capital of the Jews since 1000 B.C. when it was claimed capital by King David. His son King Solomon built the First Temple for the Jews marking it as their capital for all time. From the recovery of ancient pottery, there is evidence of permanent settlement during the middle Bronze Age.
According to Jewish literature, the city was founded by Eber and Shem who were ancestors of Abraham. When David finally conquered the city, it belonged to his Jewish followers and started to become the center of Judea. The First Temple which was built by King Solomon around 600 BC was destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar II and Jerusalem fell under the captivity of the Babylonians. Eventually, Persian King Cyrus defeated the Babylonians and requested the Jews to return and rebuild the Temple. Construction of the Second Temple was complete in 516 B.C.
Alexander was the next in the list of Jerusalem’s conquerors and the city fell under Macedonian control then to the Egyptians after Alexander’s death. As Roman rule became stronger in the west, Herod was established as the Jewish King under Roman rule.
Herod was an incredible builder and brought Jerusalem and Judea to prominence with massive construction and social projects.
Jerusalem became the birthplace for Christianity when Jesus came through the city to endure his arrest, Crucifixion, Resurrection, and finally his Ascension into Heaven. As such, there are many Holy points in the city where the last days of Jesus on Earth are known to have occurred.