Jerusalem, Holy City
One of the oldest cities in the world, Jerusalem has held political and religious significance for thousands of years. Its name may be related to the Hebrew word šālôm, meaning peace, though much of its history was turbulent.
Jerusalem’s strategic location and symbolic import made it the target of multiple military takeovers. Captured by King David circa 1000 bc (see II Samuel 5:4–7), it became the revered capital of the Hebrew nation—leading to the title “City of David.”
Under the Davidic dynasty, Jerusalem was the site of the celebrated Hebrew Temple. Pilgrims from across the known world worshiped there until it was destroyed by Babylonian forces in the sixth century bc. Though rebuilt, the Temple was again demolished when the Roman army razed the city in ad 70.
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