Archaeological findings suggest that humans inhabited the region about 6000 to 7000 years ago, as evidenced by flints. During the Chalcolithic period, ceramic remains were discovered, and the first indications of permanent settlements were observed during the Early Bronze Age between 3000 and 2800 BCE.
In the contect of Abrahamic History and Archaeology the city of Jerusalem was named as Urusalim on ancient Egyptian tablets, probably meaning "City of Shalem" after a Canaanite deity, during the Canaanite period (fourteenth century BCE). During the Israelite period, significant construction activity in Jerusalem began in the ninth century BCE (Iron Age II), and in the eighth century the city developed into the religious and administrative center of the Kingdom of Judah.
Jerusalem's origins can be traced back to the Canaanite period, with evidence of settlement dating as far back as the fourth millennium BCE. During the Bronze Age, it was known as "Urusalim" and served as a regional center. The city's significance grew during the time of King David and King Solomon, who are credited with establishing Jerusalem as the capital of the United Kingdom of Israel. The construction of the First Temple by Solomon marked a pivotal moment in the city's history.
In the following centuries, Jerusalem saw periods of prosperity, conquest, and destruction. It was captured by the Babylonians in 587/586 BCE, leading to the destruction of the First Temple and the exile of the Jewish population. After a period of Babylonian and Persian rule, the city came under Hellenistic influence following the conquests of Alexander the Great. Later, Jerusalem was ruled by the Seleucids and then the Ptolemies, leading to the Maccabean Revolt and the establishment of the Hasmonean dynasty. The city was subsequently taken by the Romans in 63 BCE, leading to the destruction of the Second Temple. It was during this time that Jesus Christ lived and was crucified in Jerusalem, a significant event in Christian tradition.
After the Arab-Muslim conquest of Jerusalem in 637 CE under the leadership of Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab, the city became an important center of Islamic civilization. The Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque, both located on the Temple Mount, were constructed during the early Islamic period and remain among the most revered sites in Islam. Jerusalem became a key pilgrimage destination for Muslims, and its significance as the third holiest city in Islam grew. The city saw periods of prosperity and cultural exchange under various Islamic dynasties, including the Umayyads, Abbasids, Fatimids, Ayyubids, and Mamluks. Jerusalem's Islamic heritage is reflected in its architectural marvels, such as the intricate mosaics, minarets, and historic gates that adorn the Old City.
Jerusalem's history is marked by successive empires, including the Byzantines, Persians, Arabs, Crusaders, and Ottomans. Each period left its architectural and cultural imprint on the city. The Crusader-era Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Ottoman-era walls, and the ancient Cardo Maximus, a Roman-era shopping street, are among the archaeological treasures that illuminate the city's past.
Masjid al-Aqsa, often referred to simply as al-Aqsa, is the third holiest and architecturally the oldest mosque in the world. Its name translates to "the Farthest Mosque" signifying its distant location from the holy city of Mecca. Read more
Nestled within the ancient city walls of Jerusalem, this sacred edifice, is revered by Christians as the site where Jesus was crucified, buried, and resurrected. It was first constructed during the reign of Constantine. Read more
In Christian tradition the Via Dolorosa, meaning the "Way of Suffering" or "Way of the Cross," is a historic and spiritually significant path believed to be the path that Jesus Christ walked on the way to his crucifixion. Read more
Today known by its Arabic name Haram al-Sharif it is a walled compound within the Old City of Jerusalem, the site of two magnificent structures: the Dome of the Rock to the north and the al-Aqsa Mosque to the south. King Solomon, according to the Abrahamic tradition, built the First Temple on a ridge or peak, later came to be known as the Temple Mount, of the Jews on this mountain top circa 1000 BCE, only to have it torn down 400 years later by troops commanded by the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar.
The mosque or the chapel of ascension, located on the Mount of Olives, is a modest medieval era edifice traditionally believed to be the site from which Jesus ascended to heaven 40 days after his resurrection. Read more
The Abbey of the Dormition is the impressive Benedictine monastery traditionally believed to be the location where the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus, fell into a deep sleep before her assumption into heaven. Read more
The Mount of Olives, believed to be the site of various biblical events, is mentioned in the Hebrew Bible as the location of King David's flight from his son Absalom and is associated with the resurrection of the dead. Read more
The small single-chambered mosque is one of the mosques inside the Jerusalem Citadel. The simple vaulted chamber, containing a shallow niche and a minbar (pulpit) identifying it as a mosque, was converted in to a musuem exhibit. Read more
The twelfth century CE structure is believed to have been built by the Sultan Salah al-din. It is located immediately to the north of the Holy Sepulchre Church directly opposite the Masjid Omar ibn al-Khattab. Read more
The Jerusalem Ophel was a raised area along the southern wall of the Temple Mount. During antiquity it formed part of the eastern hill's descent between the Temple Mount and the ancient City of David to the south. Read more
Also known as the 'Jerusalem Inscription' is the earliest three-line stone inscription of the full modern Hebrew spelling of 'Jerusalem' found on a pillar drum fragment from the Second Temple period. It is believed that the column and inscription date back to 100 BCE, and belonged to or was built with money from Hananiah son of Dodalos—Dodalos being a nickname used at the time to refer to artists, based on the Greek myth of Daedalus. The stone appears to have been repurposed from a building even older than the Roman structure where it was discovered.
Located directly to the south and adjacent to the Holy Sepulchre Church it is one of the oldest mosques in the old city of Jerusalem. It is believed to be situated at the site where Caliph Umar offered Salah outside the church. Read more
The old city of Jerusalem is home to a large number of historic churches dating as far back as the mid fourth century CE, including the Holy Sepulchre, Pater Noster and Church of the Tomb of The Virgin Mary. Read more
Thus burnt house is a small museum displaying ruins of a first-century CE jewish house which was destroyed in conflagration during the 70 CE Roman capture of the city of Jerusalem. Read more
Located in the Muslim Quarter of Jerusalem's Old City the Roman Catholic Church of St. Anne was built in the 12th century CE by the Crusaders over the traditional site believed to be the birthplace of Saint Anne. Read more
The Islamic Museum on the Temple Mount is a small museum displaying exhibits from different eras of Islamic history. The items on disply include various manuscripts, pieces of pottery, artillary and calligraphic inscriptions. Read more
Located along the eastern wall of the Haram as-Sharif, in front of the Mercy Gate (Golden Gate), it is a historic Muslim cemetery dating back to early seventh century CE (from the early period of Islam in the Holy Land). Read more
The model was built between 1962-1966 by Prof. Michael Avi Yonah, in a 1:50 scale. It was moved from the former Holyland Hotel, its original location between 1966-2005, to the Israel Museum in Jerusalem, in 2006. It is probably the largest model in the world depicting Jerusalem circa 66 CE and one of the most accurate reconstructions of the city at that period. The structures reconstructed in the model are mostly Herodian, but they include also Hasmonean structures as well as buildings added in post-Herod's times.
The Akeldama or the Field of Blood, near the Hinnom Valley, is primarily associated with events from the New Testament of the Bible, specifically with the betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot and its aftermath. Read more
al-Madhana al-Hamra (المئذنة الحمراء) is one of the first Ottoman monuments in the city of Jerusalem, built circa 1533 CE (940 Hijri). The historic mosque is named after the minaret, which was built with red stone. Read more
Often simply referred to as Gallicantu, is a Roman Catholic church located on the eastern slope of Mount Zion, just outside the walls of Jerusalem's Old City. It commemorates the biblical account of Peter's denial of Jesus. Read more
The Jerusalem Cardo is a remnant of the ancient Roman city's street layout and is one of the most important and well-preserved archaeological site from the Roman rebuilding. Today two sections of the ancient Cardo are visible. Read more
The Church of Mary Magdalene is a stunning Russian Orthodox church located on the Mount of Olives. It is dedicated to the memory of Mary Magdalene, a figure in the New Testament who was present at Jesus's crucifixion. Read more
It is a historic Lutheran church located in the Christian Quarter of Jerusalem's Old City. It was built in the late 19th century CE by the German Kaiser Wilhelm II as a gift to the Evangelical (Lutheran) community in Jerusalem. Read more
Most archaeologists agree that the historical layout that forms the basis of the Old City as we know today, was created, not during Jewish, Christian or Muslim rule, but during the Roman period, when the city of Aelia Capitolina was built on the ruins of Jerusalem following the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE. After 70 CE siege, when much of the Jerusalem was conquered and subsequently destroyed by the future emperor Titus, the Roman Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century CE laid out and rebuilt Jerusalem as a pagan city. A number of structures from this Roman rebuilding of the city still remain and are part of the old city's architectural fabric.
The City of David archaeological site, situated in the southeastern part of Jerusalem, is one of the most significant and historic excavation sites in the world. Often regarded as the original core of ancient Jerusalem, it represents the earliest phase of the city’s history, dating back to the Bronze Age and continuing through the Iron Age when King David established it as his capital around 1000 BCE. Read more
The ancient walls of Jerusalem have a total of eight gates, each with its own name and historical significance. These gates provide access to various quarters and important sites within the Old City. Read more
The Dominus Flevit Church is a small and picturesque Christian church located on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem. It stands on the site traditionally believed to be the place where Jesus wept over the city of Jerusalem. Read more
Constructed in the style of a Roman triumphal arch, it was built to commemorate the visit of the Roman Emperor Hadrian to the city around 135 CE. Historically it has been identified as the site of Ecce Homo speech by Pilate. Read more
The Ahiel House is an ancient Jewish residential building that dates back to the time of the First Temple period around the tenth century BCE. Constructed out of stone it consisted of walls and various rooms. Read more
The minarets of Haram al-Sharif, also known as the Noble Sanctuary or Temple Mount, are distinctive architectural features that grace the skyline of Jerusalem and enhance the sacred ambiance of this revered site. These minarets, rising gracefully above the cityscape, serve both functional and symbolic roles in Islamic tradition. Their presence is integral to the mosque's architectural ensemble, which includes the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Read more
The 2,700-year-old seal (mud-bulla) bearing the mark of the governor of the city of Jerusalem was discovered under the Western Wall plaza, at a site where a First Temple–period building stood. The monumental building is thought to have been home to a government official. In the upper part of the impression on the tiny piece of clay, two figures wearing striped, knee-length garments stand facing each other. “Sari’ir,” which the archaeologists believe is ancient Hebrew for "sar ha'ir," or “governor of the city,” is written in script at the bottom of the seal.
The Givati Parking Lot Dig, also known simply as the Givati Dig, is a significant archaeological excavation site located in the ancient City of David, a prominent archaeological park in the Jerusalem. Read more
Sabils were public drinking fountains; built by Muslims as a charitable water infrastructure. While utilitarian in purpose their role in charitable giving aligns with Islamic traditions of philanthropy and community service. Read more
The Jerusalem Archaeological Park is situated just south of the Western Wall Plaza and the Haram al-Sharif in the heart of the Old City. It serves as an open-air museum that showcases the history of Jerusalem from various periods. Read more
The Jerusalem Clock Tower was an iconic architectural landmark located atop the Jaffa Gate of Jerusalem. Erected in 1907 CE during the Ottoman period, the clock tower was commissioned by Sultan Abdulhamid II to commemorate the 25th anniversary of his reign and to mark the modernization efforts in Jerusalem under Ottoman rule. Designed in the eclectic style that blends Ottoman, European, and local architectural elements, the tower featured a prominent clock face and a striking minaret-like structure. Read more
The Kidron Valley, also known as the "Valley of Jehoshaphat" in some biblical texts, is a significant geographical feature located on the eastern side of Jerusalem. It is the site of several notable events in the biblical history. Read more
The Kishle, also spelled as "Kisileh" or "Kishla," is an ancient structure located just inside the Jaffa Gate adjacent to the Jerusalem Citadel. It is now part of the Tower of David Museum complex. Read more
When the reign of King Solomon began, extended the small town or citadel that he inherited from his father, known as the "strongholdof Zion" or the "City of David". He built the new Temple to the north of the City of David, on top of Mount Moriah, where previously Abraham was called upon to sacrifice his son Isaac, and incorporated the Temple Mount in the extended city. On completion of the Temple, Solomon built a Royal Complex south of the Temple. It consisted of Solomon’s Palace, the House of the Forest of Lebanon and other buildings. A new city wall was built to protect this new expansion and that linked up with those of the City of David. This illustration makes it possible to add your own annotations.
The term "zawiyat" (also spelled as "zawiya" or "zawiyya") refers to an Islamic religious institution or building in that typically serves as a center for religious learning, worship, and community activities. The zawiya typically features a prayer hall, a courtyard, and sometimes residential quarters for scholars and students. In Jerusalem, several zawiyas have played significant roles in the city's religious and cultural life, contributing to its rich tapestry of Islamic heritage. Read more
Also known by its Aramaic name, "Gabbatha," which means "a platform" or "elevated place" the Lithostrotos is associated with significant events in the life of Jesus Christ and has historical and religious significance. Read more
The Mamilla Cemetery is an ancient burial ground located in the heart of Jerusalem, just northwest of the Old City. The cemetery dates back many centuries and has been used for Muslim burials for over a millennium. Read more
Constructed by King Herod, the Roman-appointed King of Judea, it was a Roman military installation located in the north-eastern part of the Old City of Jerusalem during the time of Jesus and the Second Temple period. Read more
The burial sites scattered throughout the ancient comprise of varying architecture from monumental tombs to the simplicity of rock-cut graves. Most notable tombs are the Garden Tomb, Tombs of the Kings and Tomb of David. Read more
Jerusalem is home to numerous mosques that serve as places of worship, community centers, and architectural marvels. These mosques represent the diverse Islamic traditions and communities in the city. Read more
The reconstruction of the Jerusalem temple was begun by Herod the Great, king of Judea, in about 18-20 BCE. By the time of Jesus' minstry the temple complex had been under construction for forty six years (John 2:20). and wasn't completed until around 63 CE. Just seven years later in 70 CE, the temple and much of its courts would be destroyed during the first Jewish Revolt. It was known as Har Habayit, the "Mountain of the House [of God]". It was said that whoever had not seen the Temple of Herod had never seen a beautiful building. No other temple complex in the Greco-Roman world compared with its expansiveness and magnificence.
The Tyropoeon Valley, also known as the Valley of the Cheese Makers, is mentioned in the Bible, particularly in the context of King David's capture of Jerusalem from the Jebusites and the expansion of the city during the First Temple period. Read more
The Tower of David, also known as the Jerusalem Citadel, majorly rebuilt by King Herod the Great in the first century BCE, is a historic and iconic landmark located near the Jaffa Gate. This ancient fortress, which dates back to the Hellenistic period and underwent significant renovations and expansions during the Hasmonean, Herodian, and Byzantine periods, has served various roles throughout Jerusalem’s tumultuous history. The site was used for various purposes throughout history, including as a royal palace, military stronghold, and prison. Read more
The Tombs of the Sanhedrin or the "Tombs of the Judges" are a group of ancient rock-cut burial caves located in the Sanhedria neighborhood of Jerusalem, traditionally associated with the Sanhedrin a Jewish judicial and religious council. Read more
The Syriac Orthodox Monastery of Saint Mark, located in the Old City of Jerusalem, is a monastery and church affiliated with the Syriac Orthodox tradition. According to Syriac tradition it is the historic site where Mary, the mother of Saint Mark the Evangelist (mentioned in Acts 12:12), once lived and where Christ had the Last Supper with His disciples. Read more
The Pool of Bethesda, located in the Muslim Quarter of Jerusalem, is an ancient site of great historical and religious significance. According to the Gospel of John in the New Testament, this pool was the site where Jesus performed the healing of a paralyzed man. The pool was renowned for its healing properties, believed to be activated by the stirring of its waters by an angel. Archaeological excavations have revealed the remains of two pools, surrounded by colonnades and connected to a church built during the Byzantine period. Read more
The Armenian Convent of Saint Saviour is a church on the site where, according to the Armenian tradition, stood the house of the high priest Caiaphas. At the times of Jesus this area of Mount Zion was part of the new walls of the "upper" city. Read more
The Pool of Siloam, located in the ancient City of David in Jerusalem, is a significant archaeological and historical site. Dating back to the 8th century BCE, it is mentioned in the Bible as the location where Jesus performed the miracle of restoring sight to a man born blind, as recounted in the Gospel of John. Originally built during the reign of King Hezekiah as part of an extensive water system, the pool provided water to the city during times of siege. Read more
Mujir al-Din al-Ulaymi, a notable Mulim historian and judge from the fifteenth century, is buried in the city of Jerusalem. The super structure of the tomb is a free standing dome, supported by four columns. It is built in typical Mamluk style, prevenlant at the time. The somewhat unassuming tomb is situated at the base of the Mount of Olives just outside the walls of the Old City, a little to the north of the Church of Gethsemane and right in front of the Tomb of Mary. Read more
The Dome of the Rock (Qubbet al-Sakhrah), one of the most iconic landmarks in Jerusalem, is a magnificent example of Islamic architecture and a symbol of the city's rich religious history. Constructed between 687 and 691 CE under the Umayyad Caliph Abd al-Malik, this stunning edifice is situated on the Temple Mount, a site sacred to Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike. The Dome of the Rock is renowned for its breathtaking golden dome, intricate mosaics, and the revered rock at its heart, which holds deep significance in Islamic tradition as the spot from which the Prophet Muhammad is believed to have ascended to heaven during the Night Journey (Isra and Mi'raj). Read more
The Wailing Wall, also known as the Western Wall, stands as a profound symbol of Jewish identity and continuity, nestled in the heart of the Old City of Jerusalem. This ancient structure, a remnant of the Second Temple complex, is one of the most significant religious landmarks in Judaism. The Western Wall is all that remains of the expansive temple built by King Herod the Great during the late Second Temple period, which was completed in 20 BCE. Read more
The Wailing Wall, also known as the Western Wall, stands as a profound symbol of Jewish identity and continuity, nestled in the heart of the Old City of Jerusalem. This ancient structure, a remnant of the Second Temple complex, is one of the most significant religious landmarks in Judaism. The Western Wall is all that remains of the expansive temple built by King Herod the Great during the late Second Temple period, which was completed in 20 BCE. Read more
The Domes of Haram al-Sharif, also known as the Noble Sanctuary or the Temple Mount, are among the most iconic and historically significant structures in Jerusalem. This sacred site is home to several remarkable domes, each with profound religious and architectural importance. The most prominent of these is the Dome of the Rock, an exquisite example of Islamic art and architecture that has become an emblem of the city itself. Read more
The Herodian Market Street, located near the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, is a prominent archaeological site that offers a glimpse into the bustling commercial life of ancient Jerusalem during the reign of King Herod the Great. Dating back to the late 1st century BCE, this meticulously preserved street was part of Herod’s extensive urban redevelopment project, which aimed to enhance the city's grandeur and infrastructure. The market street was lined with a variety of shops and stalls, showcasing a wide range of goods from everyday necessities to luxury items, reflecting the vibrant economic activity and social dynamics of the time. Read more
The Garden Tomb complex, situated just outside the walls of Jerusalem's Old City, is an archaeological site believed by some Christians to be the location of Jesus's burial and resurrection. Discovered in the late 19th century, this Iran Age II archaeological site features a rock-cut tomb and an adjacent garden, which together create a setting of profound spiritual significance. The tomb, with its simple yet poignant design, and the surrounding garden, provide a peaceful space for reflection and worship. Read more
The Large Stone Structure, dubbed as the "Palace of King David", situated within the City of David archaeological site in odl Jerusalem, is an extraordinary example of ancient engineering and architecture. Dating back to the late 8th century BCE, this massive and meticulously constructed stone edifice is believed to have been part of a monumental building complex, potentially serving as a royal or administrative structure. The structure's large, precisely cut stones, some weighing several tons, reflect the sophisticated craftsmanship and organizational capabilities of the period. Read more
Also known as Absalom's Monument it is located in the Kidron Valley near the old city of Jerusalem (al-Quds). Carved out of rock and standing in solitary grandeur, this monumental tomb is traditionally attributed to Absalom, the rebellious son of King David, though historical evidence linking it directly to him is sparse. The structure is notable for its distinctive architectural features, including its tall, columned facade, which is believed to have been intended as a grand mausoleum. Read more
The Church of the Seat of Mary, also known as the Kathisma Church, is an early Christian basilica located in the Holy Land, notable for its octagonal floor plan. This architectural style influenced later constructions, including the Dome of the Rock in the late 7th century. The church features the Kathisma rock at its center. Read more
The Talpiot Tomb, discovered in 1980 CE in the Talpiot neighborhood of Jerusalem, is a significant archaeological site that has generated considerable debate and interest. This ancient rock-cut tomb, dating back to the first century CE, is notable for its unique inscriptions and the controversial claims regarding its potential connections to Jesus of Nazareth and his family. The tomb contained a series of ossuaries, or bone boxes, some of which bear names such as "Jesus son of Joseph" and "Mary", sparking discussions about the historical and religious implications of these findings. Read more
The Muristan (مورستان) is a complex of streets and shops in the Christian Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem. The site was the location of the first Bimaristan (from Persian Bimārestān بیمارستان meaning "hospital") of the Knights Hospitaller. Read more
The Omar al-Khattab Square or simply Omar Square, is a prominent public square located in the heart of the Old City of Jerusalem. This square is named after the revered Islamic figure, Umar ibn al-Khattab, the second Caliph of Islam known for his leadership. Read more
The Tiferet Yisrael Synagogue, originally built in the mid-19th century CE, was a historic synagogue located in the Jewish Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem. Read more
The Gihon Spring, also known as the "Fountain of the Virgin," is one of the most important and ancient sources of freshwater in Jerusalem. It is located in the Kidron Valley, just outside the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem. Read more
The Garden of Gethsemane, situated at the foot of the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, is a site of profound significance in Christian tradition. This ancient olive grove, known for its serene and timeless atmosphere, is believed to be the place where Jesus Christ prayed and experienced profound anguish. The garden's name, derived from the Aramaic word for "oil press," reflects its historical use for olive oil production. Read more
Venerated for millennia by three faiths, torn by irreconcilable conflict, conquered, rebuilt, and mourned for again and again, Jerusalem is a sacred city whose very sacredness has engendered terrible tragedy. In this fascinating volume, Karen Armstrong, author of the highly praised A History of God, traces the history of how Jews, Christians, and Muslims have all laid claim to Jerusalem.
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Martin Goodman—equally renowned in Jewish and in Roman studies—examines this conflict, its causes, and its consequences with unprecedented authority and thoroughness. He delineates the incompatibility between the cultural, political, and religious beliefs and practices of the two peoples and explains how Rome's interests were served by a policy of brutality against the Jews.
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In this enthralling book, Merav Mack and Benjamin Balint explore Jerusalem’s libraries to tell the story of this city as a place where some of the world’s most enduring ideas were put into words. The writers of Jerusalem, although renowned the world over, are not usually thought of as a distinct school; their stories as Jerusalemites have never before been woven into a single narrative.
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Under Jerusalem takes readers into the tombs, tunnels, and trenches of the Holy City. It brings to life the indelible characters who have investigated this subterranean landscape. With clarity and verve, acclaimed journalist Andrew Lawler reveals how their pursuit has not only defined the conflict over modern Jerusalem, but could provide a map for two peoples and three faiths to peacefully coexist.
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The Madain Project is an online archive of Abrahamic History and Archaeology.
Abrahamic History & Archaeology is the study of history and archaeology with respect to the three Abrahamic Faiths without considering the religious and theological aspects. The goal of Abrahamic History is to understand how and why the religious doctrines and behaviours have evlovled and changed over time. Searching for patterns in the evolution of significant cultural events such as the development of farming, the emergence of cities, or the collapse of major civilizations for clues of why and how these have influenced the three major Abrahamic religions.
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