Jerusalem

Jerusalem is one of the world’s oldest cities, considered a holy site by the three Abrahamic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The city is currently under the control of the state of Israel.

The Bible’s book of Genesis (14:17-18) mentions Melchizedek, king of Salem, blessing Abraham. Scholars agree that Mount Moriah, where Abraham offered Isaac (Genesis 22:2), is the same place where the Temple was later built. The book of Judges (19:10) records that the city was called “Jebus” until King David captured it around 1000 BC, when it was named the “City of David” and established as the capital of the kingdom of Israel. The mountaintop where the Temple was built is known as Mount Zion.

Jerusalem and its Temple were destroyed twice: once in 587 BC by the Babylonians and again in AD 70 by the Roman legions. Jesus’ crucifixion, resurrection, ascension, and promised return are all associated with Jerusalem.

The name “Jerusalem” first appeared in Chinese during the Tang Dynasty, when Nestorian Christians transliterated the Syriac name “Ūrišlem” as “Wulishilian.” Today, the city’s historical sites include the Western Wall and Temple Mount for Jews, the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque for Muslims, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Via Dolorosa for Christians.