Who held Jerusalem first? This question has intrigued historians and scholars for centuries, as the ancient city of Jerusalem has been a focal point of conflict and religious significance throughout history. From the earliest biblical accounts to the modern-day, Jerusalem has been a city of power struggles and shifting loyalties. This article delves into the fascinating history of Jerusalem and explores the various groups that have held control over the city throughout the ages.
The city of Jerusalem has a rich and complex history, with evidence of human habitation dating back to the prehistoric era. However, the first known civilization to hold Jerusalem was the Canaanites, who settled in the region around 3000 BCE. The Canaanites were followed by the Israelites, who conquered the city and established it as their capital in the 10th century BCE. This period marked the first time Jerusalem was held by a group that would later become a significant part of the biblical narrative.
After the Israelites, the city fell under the control of various neighboring empires, including the Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, and Greeks. Each empire left its mark on the city, with the Persians, for instance, building the famous Second Temple. However, it was the Romans who held Jerusalem for the longest period, from 63 BCE to 324 CE. During this time, the city became a center of Christian and Jewish religious life, with the construction of numerous synagogues and churches.
The Byzantine Empire took control of Jerusalem in 324 CE, and it remained under their rule until the Islamic conquest in 638 CE. The Islamic Caliphate, led by Caliph Umar, became the first Muslim rulers of Jerusalem. The Islamic period saw the construction of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock, which are still significant religious sites today. The Crusaders, a group of European knights, captured Jerusalem in 1099 CE, establishing the Kingdom of Jerusalem. However, their control was short-lived, as the Muslims reclaimed the city in 1187 CE.
The Ottomans took control of Jerusalem in 1517 CE, and they ruled the city until the British Mandate following World War I. During this time, Jerusalem became a focal point of the Arab-Israeli conflict, with the British trying to maintain a delicate balance between the Jewish and Arab populations. The city was divided between Jordan and Israel following the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, with Jordan controlling the eastern part of Jerusalem, including the Old City, until the Six-Day War in 1967.
In 1967, Israel captured the eastern part of Jerusalem, including the Old City, and later annexed it. Since then, Jerusalem has been a highly contentious issue, with both Israelis and Palestinians claiming the city as their capital. The question of who held Jerusalem first remains a subject of debate and a source of tension in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
In conclusion, the city of Jerusalem has been held by numerous groups throughout history, each leaving their mark on the city’s rich tapestry of culture and religion. From the Canaanites to the Ottomans, and now to the modern-day Israeli and Palestinian claimants, Jerusalem’s history is a testament to the power struggles and religious significance that have shaped the city over the centuries.
