Jerusalem, a History: From Antiquity to the Present

Harvard FAS

Jerusalem is considered one of the world’s holiest cities and is shared by three faiths; Jews, Christians, and Muslims all believe Jerusalem to be sacred, albeit for different reasons. While in some ways the common sacrality invested in Jerusalem by the three major monotheistic religions brings them together, historically speaking it has more often sparked tension and even violence. We will use the history of Jerusalem as a window onto how these three religions have mutually influenced one…