When was jerusalem founded?

By HotBotUpdated: September 4, 2024

Answer

The Ancient Roots of Jerusalem

Jerusalem's origins stretch back to ancient times, making it one of the oldest cities in the world. Archaeological evidence and historical records suggest that human settlement in the area began as early as the 4th millennium BCE, during the Early Bronze Age. At this time, the area now known as Jerusalem was a small, fortified settlement that likely served as a hub for local trade and agriculture.

Early Bronze Age: The First Settlements

During the Early Bronze Age, roughly around 3500-2000 BCE, Jerusalem was a modest settlement. Archaeological excavations have uncovered remnants of early fortifications and structures in the area known as the City of David, situated on a ridge south of the Old City. These early inhabitants were likely Canaanites, who were engaged in farming and trade.

Middle Bronze Age: Urban Development

The Middle Bronze Age (2000-1550 BCE) saw significant development in Jerusalem. The city became more structured and fortified, with evidence of substantial walls and public buildings. This period marked the beginning of Jerusalem's transformation from a simple settlement into a more complex urban center. The city was known as "Urusalim," which is believed to mean "City of Peace" or "Foundation of Shalem," a Canaanite deity.

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Late Bronze Age: Egyptian Influence

In the Late Bronze Age (1550-1200 BCE), Jerusalem came under the influence of the Egyptian Empire. This period is well-documented through the Amarna Letters, a collection of correspondence between the Egyptian administration and various Canaanite city-states. The letters mention a city named "Urusalim," ruled by a king named Abdi-Heba, who was a vassal of the Egyptian pharaoh. This indicates that Jerusalem was already an important political and administrative center.

Iron Age: The Rise of the Israelites

The Iron Age (1200-586 BCE) is a pivotal period in Jerusalem's history, marked by the arrival of the Israelites. According to biblical tradition, King David conquered the city around 1000 BCE and established it as the capital of the united Kingdom of Israel. His son, King Solomon, further enhanced the city's prominence by building the First Temple, a monumental structure dedicated to the worship of Yahweh.

Archaeological Evidence: City of David

The City of David, located just south of the Old City, is a significant archaeological site that provides insights into Jerusalem's early history. Excavations have revealed extensive remains from various periods, including fortifications, water systems, and residential structures. One notable discovery is the Siloam Tunnel, an ancient water channel attributed to King Hezekiah, which dates back to the 8th century BCE.

Babylonian Exile and Return

In 586 BCE, the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar II captured Jerusalem, destroyed the First Temple, and exiled a significant portion of the population to Babylon. This event marked the end of the First Temple period. However, in 539 BCE, the Persian king Cyrus the Great allowed the exiled Jews to return and rebuild the temple, initiating the Second Temple period.

Hellenistic and Roman Periods

Jerusalem continued to evolve under Hellenistic and Roman rule. Following Alexander the Great's conquest in 332 BCE, the city came under the influence of Hellenistic culture. In 63 BCE, the Roman general Pompey the Great captured Jerusalem, integrating it into the Roman Empire. The city experienced significant infrastructural development during this period, including the construction of Herod's Temple, an expansive renovation of the Second Temple.

Byzantine and Early Islamic Periods

In 324 CE, the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great converted to Christianity, leading to the Christianization of Jerusalem. The city became a major center of Christian pilgrimage, with the construction of significant religious structures such as the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. In 638 CE, the Muslim caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab captured Jerusalem, marking the beginning of Islamic influence in the city. The Dome of the Rock, an iconic Islamic shrine, was completed in 691 CE.

Crusader and Ayyubid Periods

Jerusalem's strategic and religious significance made it a focal point during the Crusades. In 1099, Crusader forces captured the city and established the Kingdom of Jerusalem. The Crusaders built numerous churches and fortifications, leaving a lasting architectural legacy. However, in 1187, the Muslim leader Saladin recaptured Jerusalem, restoring Islamic rule and allowing for the coexistence of different religious communities.

Ottoman Era and Modern Times

The Ottoman Empire took control of Jerusalem in 1517, ushering in a period of relative stability and architectural development. The city's walls, as seen today, were rebuilt by the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent in the 16th century. During the 19th and 20th centuries, Jerusalem underwent significant modernization and expansion, driven by both local and foreign influences.

Jerusalem's founding is not marked by a singular event but rather by a continuous and complex tapestry of human settlement, conquest, and cultural evolution. From its early Canaanite roots to its role as a focal point for three major world religions, Jerusalem's history is a testament to its enduring significance and multifaceted character.