(March 10)
Before beginning the lecture on the 21st century Jerusalem, we finished the last lecture which ended on Jordanian Jerusalem. In 1967, the Six Day War began. This war started when the Soviets tell Syria that the Israelis are going to attack them. Because of this, the Egyptians begin to assemble their forces and Jordan even signs an agreement with them. The Israelis, however, wipe out the Egyptian air force within hours. Moshe Dayan then gives the Temple Mount to the Muslims where the Jews were forbidden to pray. The Israelis then annex the Old City and East Jerusalem. This war "united" Jerusalem.
In addition, we talked about the intifadas, or uprisings, that occurred after the Six Day War by the Palestinians because they had nothing after this war. The Palestinians were upset because they had no Palestinian state and because of the Israeli occupation in their regions.
The Oslo Accords then came about in 1993. This agreement was about mutual recognition. Israel recognized the Palestinian Liberal Organization (PLO) as a real representative of the people of Palestine, and the PLO recognized Israel to having the right to obtain a state and renounced their terrorist attacks. This agreement appears to be unfair however because the Palestinians recognize Israel as having the right be an Israeli state where the Israelis do not agree to the same for the Palestinians. The Palestinians basically get screwed over with the Oslo Accords.
In the lecture about the 21st century Jerusalem, we see a picture of an Israeli solider yelling at a Palestinian who is also yelling back to him. This is a powerful picture because it really displays the tension between some of these people. The Israeli soldiers do not like that they have to keep peace there and the Palestinians do not like them there, but this is just how things are over there. Many Palestinians and Israelis want peace, but it is not always up to them what their governments decide. In addition to this time period, the West Bank Barrier was applied around the West Bank.
The solution to the problems that have been occurring in this region have not yet been found, but according to Professor Cargill, it may be resolved soon.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
20th Century Jerusalem
(March 8)
In this lecture we learned about the 20th century Jerusalem. The idea of secular Zionism began to grow in Jerusalem but many Orthodox Jews reject this idea because they believe that people can not just call themselves Jews if they live in Jerusalem. Orthodox Jews believe that if you are going to claim that you are a Jew, you need to act it, dress it, etc, like a real Jew instead of just moving to Jerusalem. Theodore Herzel believes that Jerusalem is not exactly important, but a Jewish state is. This is what secular Zionism was about, the importance of a Jewish state, not necessarily the religion. He is also called a messiah or the son of David because he leads the people of Israel.
In addition we talked about Antisemitism began to arise during this era also. One of the most prominent sources of Antisemitism came from Hitler from Germany.
World War I occurred in this period where the Ottoman empire took sides with Germany to fight again France and Britain. Germany the Ottomans lost, where the Ottoman empire was completely destroyed. This war led to the Sykes-Picot Agreement which divided up the land from the Ottoman empire between Britain and France. France got Turkey, northern Iraq, Lebanon and Syria while Britain got Palestine, Jordan, and southern Iraq. In addition the Balfour Declaration in 1917 promised a Jewish National Homeland. This was very important to the Jews because they would finally be receiving a Jewish state. During the British Mandate, the "White Paper" and Peel Plan came about as well as the promise from Britain to keep the protection of the holy places of all faiths. The "White Paper" was written by Winston Churchill to clarify the Balfour Declaration which stated that they would make a state for the Jewish people (even though they did not), however, the "White Paper" did not clarify anything at all. It still left the people confused. The Peel Plan was then announced in 1937 to help resolve the issues between the Jews and Arabs so that both groups of people would be getting a state. This plan did not pull through however. Although the Jews agreed to the plan, the Arabs did not because they believe that the entire region belongs to them. Because of this, fighting breaks out in Jerusalem. The "War of Independence" broke out in 1948. This was an Arab-Israeli war. Many British troops were dying so they decided to depart from Palestine because they were in a place that was not theirs. The Jordanian army then arrives and an armistice was then signed between Israel and Jordan. A line was created, called the Green Line which gave the Jordanians the West Bank.
In this lecture we learned about the 20th century Jerusalem. The idea of secular Zionism began to grow in Jerusalem but many Orthodox Jews reject this idea because they believe that people can not just call themselves Jews if they live in Jerusalem. Orthodox Jews believe that if you are going to claim that you are a Jew, you need to act it, dress it, etc, like a real Jew instead of just moving to Jerusalem. Theodore Herzel believes that Jerusalem is not exactly important, but a Jewish state is. This is what secular Zionism was about, the importance of a Jewish state, not necessarily the religion. He is also called a messiah or the son of David because he leads the people of Israel.
In addition we talked about Antisemitism began to arise during this era also. One of the most prominent sources of Antisemitism came from Hitler from Germany.
World War I occurred in this period where the Ottoman empire took sides with Germany to fight again France and Britain. Germany the Ottomans lost, where the Ottoman empire was completely destroyed. This war led to the Sykes-Picot Agreement which divided up the land from the Ottoman empire between Britain and France. France got Turkey, northern Iraq, Lebanon and Syria while Britain got Palestine, Jordan, and southern Iraq. In addition the Balfour Declaration in 1917 promised a Jewish National Homeland. This was very important to the Jews because they would finally be receiving a Jewish state. During the British Mandate, the "White Paper" and Peel Plan came about as well as the promise from Britain to keep the protection of the holy places of all faiths. The "White Paper" was written by Winston Churchill to clarify the Balfour Declaration which stated that they would make a state for the Jewish people (even though they did not), however, the "White Paper" did not clarify anything at all. It still left the people confused. The Peel Plan was then announced in 1937 to help resolve the issues between the Jews and Arabs so that both groups of people would be getting a state. This plan did not pull through however. Although the Jews agreed to the plan, the Arabs did not because they believe that the entire region belongs to them. Because of this, fighting breaks out in Jerusalem. The "War of Independence" broke out in 1948. This was an Arab-Israeli war. Many British troops were dying so they decided to depart from Palestine because they were in a place that was not theirs. The Jordanian army then arrives and an armistice was then signed between Israel and Jordan. A line was created, called the Green Line which gave the Jordanians the West Bank.
Mamluk and Ottoman Jerusalem
(March 3)
In this lesson, we finished up the lectures on Islamic and Crusader Jerusalem before diving into Mamluk and Ottoman Jerusalem.
In regards to Islamic Jerusalem, we talked about the Abbasid dynasty which lasted from 750 to 969 CE. These people tried to wipe out the memory of the Umayyid accomplishments by first destroying their palaces because these two groups do not get along. Caliph Al-Ma-mun tries to take credit for the building of the Dome of the Rock in the 9th century but he forgot to erase the original date of its construction in the 72nd year of the Moslem era. There is also a lot of hostility towards the Christians in this period. The Fatimids, who are from Egypt, rule Jerusalem from 969 to 1099. The population of Jerusalem begins to steadily increase during this period. In addition, the welfare of the Jews and Christians depend on the ruler, because near the end of the Fatimid rule, some governors that were appointed in Jerusalem were Jews and Christians. However, other rulers do not feel the need to get along with the Jews and Christians like Caliph al-Hakim who orders the destruction of all Jewish and Christian houses of prayer. Since the Muslims were fighting each other, this means they were also weakening each other. They weakened each other enough that the Byzantine army was able to reconquer Jerusalem.
To finish up on the Crusader Jerusalem lecture, Saladin conquers Jerusalem in 1187 CE. They won the battle at the "Horns of Hattin" and Jerusalem then surrenders to Saladin in September of the same year. With Islamic rule, they re-purified and reclaimed the Haram. In addition, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher was given to the Greek Orthodox and the settlement of the Jews began to grow again. Saladin allowed the other religions to live in Jerusalem under his rule, but they needed to acknowledge the fact that they will be under Islamic rule. He did not kick the Jews and Christians out, they were free to leave or stay but they must realize that if they stay, they are living under Islamic conditions. In addition, after the 5th crusade, the walls of Jerusalem were dismantled in 1219, meaning the population decreased tremendously because there was not as much protection in this city anymore.
Mamluk Jerusalem lasted from 1250 to 1516 CE and was not considered a political takeover because the walls of the city were dimished. During this period, many other buildings were constructed in Jerusalem, like schools and hostels, with the addition of Mamluk architecture. The development of the Haram begins to appear as well. The Jewish quarter begins to grow, but this city suffers from the plague, the Black Death, in 1352-1353.
The Ottoman Jerusalem appears in the year of 1516 and lasts until 1918. This was a political takeover. Selim I defeats the Mamluks in 1517 and Jerusalem peacefully surrenders in 1516. Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent rebuilds the walls of Jerusalem and campaigns to refurbish the Haram. All the work he has done in Jerusalem makes it the third most important city to Islam, with Mecca and Medina as the first two.
In this lesson, we finished up the lectures on Islamic and Crusader Jerusalem before diving into Mamluk and Ottoman Jerusalem.
In regards to Islamic Jerusalem, we talked about the Abbasid dynasty which lasted from 750 to 969 CE. These people tried to wipe out the memory of the Umayyid accomplishments by first destroying their palaces because these two groups do not get along. Caliph Al-Ma-mun tries to take credit for the building of the Dome of the Rock in the 9th century but he forgot to erase the original date of its construction in the 72nd year of the Moslem era. There is also a lot of hostility towards the Christians in this period. The Fatimids, who are from Egypt, rule Jerusalem from 969 to 1099. The population of Jerusalem begins to steadily increase during this period. In addition, the welfare of the Jews and Christians depend on the ruler, because near the end of the Fatimid rule, some governors that were appointed in Jerusalem were Jews and Christians. However, other rulers do not feel the need to get along with the Jews and Christians like Caliph al-Hakim who orders the destruction of all Jewish and Christian houses of prayer. Since the Muslims were fighting each other, this means they were also weakening each other. They weakened each other enough that the Byzantine army was able to reconquer Jerusalem.
To finish up on the Crusader Jerusalem lecture, Saladin conquers Jerusalem in 1187 CE. They won the battle at the "Horns of Hattin" and Jerusalem then surrenders to Saladin in September of the same year. With Islamic rule, they re-purified and reclaimed the Haram. In addition, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher was given to the Greek Orthodox and the settlement of the Jews began to grow again. Saladin allowed the other religions to live in Jerusalem under his rule, but they needed to acknowledge the fact that they will be under Islamic rule. He did not kick the Jews and Christians out, they were free to leave or stay but they must realize that if they stay, they are living under Islamic conditions. In addition, after the 5th crusade, the walls of Jerusalem were dismantled in 1219, meaning the population decreased tremendously because there was not as much protection in this city anymore.
Mamluk Jerusalem lasted from 1250 to 1516 CE and was not considered a political takeover because the walls of the city were dimished. During this period, many other buildings were constructed in Jerusalem, like schools and hostels, with the addition of Mamluk architecture. The development of the Haram begins to appear as well. The Jewish quarter begins to grow, but this city suffers from the plague, the Black Death, in 1352-1353.
The Ottoman Jerusalem appears in the year of 1516 and lasts until 1918. This was a political takeover. Selim I defeats the Mamluks in 1517 and Jerusalem peacefully surrenders in 1516. Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent rebuilds the walls of Jerusalem and campaigns to refurbish the Haram. All the work he has done in Jerusalem makes it the third most important city to Islam, with Mecca and Medina as the first two.
Crusader Jerusalem
(March 1)
(Guest Lecturer)
The period of Crusader Jerusalem ranges from 1099 to 1187 CE. First of all, to define a crusade, it is a holy war that is authorized by the pope on Christ's behalf, according to the lecture. There were political and religious reasons for the crusades. A couple of the political reasons were the expansion of Islam and the emergence of the Holy Roman empire in Western Europe. The late reaction to the persecution of the Christian population of Jerusalem and the destruction of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher with the addition of the murder of the Patriarch of Jerusalem are a couple of reasons for the religious aspect of the crusades. The first crusade was preached by Pope Urban II at Clermont in 1095 and this crusade lasted until 1099. When he gives the speech he calls upon the nobility of Western Europe. He wants the Christians of Europe to fight for their religion and conquer Jerusalem. Although he was not sure of what was going to happen after he preached about going on a crusade, he is blown away by the response he receives because a large scale of people went on this voyage. People receive indulgences if they partake in the crusade. This means that they were pardoned from the penalties for their sins. A person can get an indulgence even if they do not go on this crusade by contributing funds to it. Crusades were very expensive, and many poor peasants joined as well who did not have the funds to support their trip. So if a rich person gives funds to support a peasant on this crusade, that person will receive an indulgence.
The second crusade was preached by St. Bernard at Vezelay in 1147 and this lasted until 1149. There were other crusades announced in addition to this one.
Many monuments were erected during this crusader period. The Islamic buildings were modified, like the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Many of the Byzantine churches that were destroyed were rebuilt, like the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. New churches were built as well during this period, and the Armenian quarter began to rise.
During Crusader Jerusalem, there were four quarters that split this city. The Patriarch's quarter was located in the northwest region, the Templar's quarter in the southeast corner, the Syrian quarter in the northeast area, and finally the Armenian quarter in southwest.
Crusader Jerusalem ended, however, in July of 1187 when Saladin conquers this city at the "Horns of Hattin."
(Guest Lecturer)
The period of Crusader Jerusalem ranges from 1099 to 1187 CE. First of all, to define a crusade, it is a holy war that is authorized by the pope on Christ's behalf, according to the lecture. There were political and religious reasons for the crusades. A couple of the political reasons were the expansion of Islam and the emergence of the Holy Roman empire in Western Europe. The late reaction to the persecution of the Christian population of Jerusalem and the destruction of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher with the addition of the murder of the Patriarch of Jerusalem are a couple of reasons for the religious aspect of the crusades. The first crusade was preached by Pope Urban II at Clermont in 1095 and this crusade lasted until 1099. When he gives the speech he calls upon the nobility of Western Europe. He wants the Christians of Europe to fight for their religion and conquer Jerusalem. Although he was not sure of what was going to happen after he preached about going on a crusade, he is blown away by the response he receives because a large scale of people went on this voyage. People receive indulgences if they partake in the crusade. This means that they were pardoned from the penalties for their sins. A person can get an indulgence even if they do not go on this crusade by contributing funds to it. Crusades were very expensive, and many poor peasants joined as well who did not have the funds to support their trip. So if a rich person gives funds to support a peasant on this crusade, that person will receive an indulgence.
The second crusade was preached by St. Bernard at Vezelay in 1147 and this lasted until 1149. There were other crusades announced in addition to this one.
Many monuments were erected during this crusader period. The Islamic buildings were modified, like the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Many of the Byzantine churches that were destroyed were rebuilt, like the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. New churches were built as well during this period, and the Armenian quarter began to rise.
During Crusader Jerusalem, there were four quarters that split this city. The Patriarch's quarter was located in the northwest region, the Templar's quarter in the southeast corner, the Syrian quarter in the northeast area, and finally the Armenian quarter in southwest.
Crusader Jerusalem ended, however, in July of 1187 when Saladin conquers this city at the "Horns of Hattin."
Islamic Jerusalem
(February 24)
This lecture begins the topic of Jerusalem transforming from a Christian city into an Islamic one. Before this took place however, we discussed what happened to the Byzantine Jerusalem. The Sasanians take Palestine and Jerusalem in 614 to 628 CE and allowed the resettlement of Jews who have not been admitted to stay in Jerusalem since the Bar-Kokhba revolt. However, when Heraclius, the Byzantine Emperor, retook Jerusalem in 628 CE, he permitted the massacres of Jews. This demonstrates that the Persians were the ones that allowed the Jews to come back to Jerusalem, but the Byzantine Christians were the ones that continued their hatred towards them.
Muhammad did not leave an heir, so caliphs (or delegates) are established to lead the Islamic community. After the first three caliphs, who were Abu Bakr, Umar, and Uthman, a division was created among the leaders, Ali (Muhamad's son-in-law) and Mu'awiya (Uthman's cousin). Mu'awiya is the Umayyad Dynasty. There are also sectarian divisions, and they are the Shi'ites and Sunnis.
So in 638 CE, Caliph Umar takes Jerusalem and so begins the rule of an Islamic Jerusalem from 638 to 1099 CE. At first he does not allow the settlement of Jews due to an agreement with the Christians, however he later changes his mind and permits them to, which then begins the steady growth of Jews back into Jerusalem.
The name Haram al-Sharif was now used for the Temple Mount. This means "the noble sanctuary."We also discussed the Five "Pillars" of Islam, which are: shahada, salat, zakat, sawm, and hajj. The first means "testimony" where a Musim must recite the profession of faith. Salat means prayer, and a person must pray five times a day facing Mecca. The next, zakat, means to give alms to the needy. Sawm is the fasting during the month of Ramadan, and hajj is the pilgrimage to Mecca that a person must make at least once in his/her life. In addition, we also learned about the hajj door decorations. A person would paint the outside of his/her house with beautiful colors to show that they are going on a hajj to Mecca, and of someone is to rob them it would be considered triple sin.
In 691 CE, Abd al-Malik builds the Dome of the Rock. Other important structures are the Haram al-Sharif, the Dome of the Chain, and the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
This lecture begins the topic of Jerusalem transforming from a Christian city into an Islamic one. Before this took place however, we discussed what happened to the Byzantine Jerusalem. The Sasanians take Palestine and Jerusalem in 614 to 628 CE and allowed the resettlement of Jews who have not been admitted to stay in Jerusalem since the Bar-Kokhba revolt. However, when Heraclius, the Byzantine Emperor, retook Jerusalem in 628 CE, he permitted the massacres of Jews. This demonstrates that the Persians were the ones that allowed the Jews to come back to Jerusalem, but the Byzantine Christians were the ones that continued their hatred towards them.
Muhammad did not leave an heir, so caliphs (or delegates) are established to lead the Islamic community. After the first three caliphs, who were Abu Bakr, Umar, and Uthman, a division was created among the leaders, Ali (Muhamad's son-in-law) and Mu'awiya (Uthman's cousin). Mu'awiya is the Umayyad Dynasty. There are also sectarian divisions, and they are the Shi'ites and Sunnis.
So in 638 CE, Caliph Umar takes Jerusalem and so begins the rule of an Islamic Jerusalem from 638 to 1099 CE. At first he does not allow the settlement of Jews due to an agreement with the Christians, however he later changes his mind and permits them to, which then begins the steady growth of Jews back into Jerusalem.
The name Haram al-Sharif was now used for the Temple Mount. This means "the noble sanctuary."We also discussed the Five "Pillars" of Islam, which are: shahada, salat, zakat, sawm, and hajj. The first means "testimony" where a Musim must recite the profession of faith. Salat means prayer, and a person must pray five times a day facing Mecca. The next, zakat, means to give alms to the needy. Sawm is the fasting during the month of Ramadan, and hajj is the pilgrimage to Mecca that a person must make at least once in his/her life. In addition, we also learned about the hajj door decorations. A person would paint the outside of his/her house with beautiful colors to show that they are going on a hajj to Mecca, and of someone is to rob them it would be considered triple sin.
In 691 CE, Abd al-Malik builds the Dome of the Rock. Other important structures are the Haram al-Sharif, the Dome of the Chain, and the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
(February 22)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY PROFESSOR CARGILL!!
And thanks for the cookies! =)
In this lecture, we learned about Byzantine Jerusalem which lasted from 312 to 637 CE. This Jerusalem is centered more on Christianity, which originated yet is separate from the religion Judaism. Christianity mainly revolves around Jesus, especially the events of his death, burial and resurrection even though Jesus was a Jew. This faith rejects the Temple because the Bible talks about Jesus foreshadowing its destruction. Therefore, Christianity becomes more spiritual and internalized rather than being centered at the Temple like Judaism.
An important figure of this time is Constantine. At the Edict of Milan in 313 CE, he legalizes Christianity, demonstrating that it is okay to be a Christian. Also he he makes it legal to be a Christian, he turned this pacifist religion into a violent one. He changes the way Christianity will be practiced. Then in 324 the Council of Nicaea declared the doctrine of Holy Trinity, and in the 7th canon it states that the city that was once called Jerusalem and is not named Aelia "should have an honored position." In addition during this period, many people believe that this is either the rise of Christianity or the destruction of it. There was only one certain way to be a Christian, and if a person does not follow these specific set of rules, then he/she is not a true Christian. This is what was believed during the reign of Constantine.
Also, the first Christian pilgrimage is credited to Constantine's mother, Helena. Dedications were made to the Church of Nativity and the Church of the Ascension because of this. There was also a re-dedication of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher where a chapel was named after her. This displays the importance of this pilgrimage because its illustrates the importance of traveling to Jerusalem as a Christian to commemorate it's holy sites.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY PROFESSOR CARGILL!!
And thanks for the cookies! =)
In this lecture, we learned about Byzantine Jerusalem which lasted from 312 to 637 CE. This Jerusalem is centered more on Christianity, which originated yet is separate from the religion Judaism. Christianity mainly revolves around Jesus, especially the events of his death, burial and resurrection even though Jesus was a Jew. This faith rejects the Temple because the Bible talks about Jesus foreshadowing its destruction. Therefore, Christianity becomes more spiritual and internalized rather than being centered at the Temple like Judaism.
An important figure of this time is Constantine. At the Edict of Milan in 313 CE, he legalizes Christianity, demonstrating that it is okay to be a Christian. Also he he makes it legal to be a Christian, he turned this pacifist religion into a violent one. He changes the way Christianity will be practiced. Then in 324 the Council of Nicaea declared the doctrine of Holy Trinity, and in the 7th canon it states that the city that was once called Jerusalem and is not named Aelia "should have an honored position." In addition during this period, many people believe that this is either the rise of Christianity or the destruction of it. There was only one certain way to be a Christian, and if a person does not follow these specific set of rules, then he/she is not a true Christian. This is what was believed during the reign of Constantine.
Also, the first Christian pilgrimage is credited to Constantine's mother, Helena. Dedications were made to the Church of Nativity and the Church of the Ascension because of this. There was also a re-dedication of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher where a chapel was named after her. This displays the importance of this pilgrimage because its illustrates the importance of traveling to Jerusalem as a Christian to commemorate it's holy sites.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Rebels
(February 17)
In this lecture we learned about the two revolts in Jerusalem. After Herod the Great died, his kingdom was divided among his three sons. Their power was very limited. King Herod was the last to be called king. His sons were Archelaus, Herod Antipas, and Herod Philip. The first two sons were later exiled in their respected regions, and Herod Philip ruled until his death. These rulers were then replaced by Roman procurators who were very inexperienced, but this gave Rome direct Roman rule.
One of these Roman rulers was Pontius Pilot, who was the only Roman governor mentioned in the Gospels because he was the one that ordered Jesus' execution. He was extremely ineffective and only provoked the Jews. He was later recalled back to Rome in 36/37 CE.
The Roman governors in Jerusalem from 6-66 CE were very inexperienced and unskilled. They provoked the Jews and caused growing internal Jewish conflict. During the year of 66 CE, Jerusalem was in open revolt against Rome.
To assert their rebellion, the Jews began making their own money. They constructed the Jewish Revolt Coin to declare their independence from Roman rule. These coins, however, only lasted for about three years. In 67 CE, Vespasian of Rome was delegated to conquer Galilee. When he was later declared emperor in 70 CE, his son Titus takes charge of the revolt in Jerusalem. In this same year, Titus destroys Jerusalem and destroys the Temple. This, as it did when the first temple was destroyed, brings about cognitive dissonance where the people began questioning themselves and their faith.
The second Jewish revolt occurs from 132 to 135 CE under the lead of Bar-Kokhba. Jerusalem revolts for the second time because the center of Judaism was migrated out of Jerusalem. This city was rebuilt as Aelia Capitolina. Jews were forbidden to visit Jerusalem except on the 9th of Ab, which was the date their city was destroyed, to mourn for their defeat.
To start of this revolt, Bar-Kokhba began making revolt coins that were similar to the coins of the first revolt. The problem with this was that many of the words printed on the coins were misspelled. This most likely occurred because Bar-Kokhba was not able to read Hebrew too well. Many of these coins were "overstrikes" as well, meaning that existing coins were stamped on. In addition to this, he wrote revolt letters in multiple languages.
This revolt, as did the first, ended as a loss. The Jews were exiled and the Jerusalem Temple was made into a Roman temple that praised their god Jupiter. Emperor Hadrian punished the Jews heavily.
As a result of the revolts, Aelia Capitolina was built on top of Jerusalem to make this city as Roman as possible. In addition, the rise of synagogues began to appear, most likely due to the destruction of the temple. This led to decentralization.
In this lecture we learned about the two revolts in Jerusalem. After Herod the Great died, his kingdom was divided among his three sons. Their power was very limited. King Herod was the last to be called king. His sons were Archelaus, Herod Antipas, and Herod Philip. The first two sons were later exiled in their respected regions, and Herod Philip ruled until his death. These rulers were then replaced by Roman procurators who were very inexperienced, but this gave Rome direct Roman rule.
One of these Roman rulers was Pontius Pilot, who was the only Roman governor mentioned in the Gospels because he was the one that ordered Jesus' execution. He was extremely ineffective and only provoked the Jews. He was later recalled back to Rome in 36/37 CE.
The Roman governors in Jerusalem from 6-66 CE were very inexperienced and unskilled. They provoked the Jews and caused growing internal Jewish conflict. During the year of 66 CE, Jerusalem was in open revolt against Rome.
To assert their rebellion, the Jews began making their own money. They constructed the Jewish Revolt Coin to declare their independence from Roman rule. These coins, however, only lasted for about three years. In 67 CE, Vespasian of Rome was delegated to conquer Galilee. When he was later declared emperor in 70 CE, his son Titus takes charge of the revolt in Jerusalem. In this same year, Titus destroys Jerusalem and destroys the Temple. This, as it did when the first temple was destroyed, brings about cognitive dissonance where the people began questioning themselves and their faith.
The second Jewish revolt occurs from 132 to 135 CE under the lead of Bar-Kokhba. Jerusalem revolts for the second time because the center of Judaism was migrated out of Jerusalem. This city was rebuilt as Aelia Capitolina. Jews were forbidden to visit Jerusalem except on the 9th of Ab, which was the date their city was destroyed, to mourn for their defeat.
To start of this revolt, Bar-Kokhba began making revolt coins that were similar to the coins of the first revolt. The problem with this was that many of the words printed on the coins were misspelled. This most likely occurred because Bar-Kokhba was not able to read Hebrew too well. Many of these coins were "overstrikes" as well, meaning that existing coins were stamped on. In addition to this, he wrote revolt letters in multiple languages.
This revolt, as did the first, ended as a loss. The Jews were exiled and the Jerusalem Temple was made into a Roman temple that praised their god Jupiter. Emperor Hadrian punished the Jews heavily.
As a result of the revolts, Aelia Capitolina was built on top of Jerusalem to make this city as Roman as possible. In addition, the rise of synagogues began to appear, most likely due to the destruction of the temple. This led to decentralization.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Romusalem
(February 15)
In this lecture we learned about the Roman conquest and rule in Jerusalem which began in 63 BCE. The Roman governor, Pompey, was the one who attacked and annexed Jerusalem for Rome. We also learned about other important figures in this time. One particular significant person in this period if Herod, who is known as Herod the Great. He first started out as a local ruler of Galilee when his father, Antipates, was installed as procurator. However, when his father was killed, he takes revenge for him. As he does this, he slowly rises to greatness. He first becomes king of Judea, then controls Galilee, Samaria and Idumea. Then he gets Jerusalem. Herod rules as a client king, where he tries to be good to both Rome and Jerusalem. He is sensitive to the Jews, for example, he does not put faces on their coin, yet he still does what Rome orders him to do. He was able to keep the Jews from rebelling since he knew the Jewish traditions, even though he is not a Jew, because his homeland, Idumea, was Judaized. Although Herod was a brutal dictator and ruled from 37 to 4 BCE, his way of dealing with the people worked.
In addition, Herod the Great was really known for his massive building projects. Even though most of these buildings represented himself, these projects gave people jobs. This means that a lot of people were working. He built the Herodian Temple Mount, which is referred to as the third temple, because many people believed that the second temple was not as great nor as nice as the first. He did not like that so he decided to build the temple mount since the second temple was not destroyed. Therefore, Herod expanded the temple and constructed the wall around it.
Herod built many other great buildings, such as the theater. aqueduct, and port at Caesarea. He even built a city south of Jerusalem. It looked like a mountain that was caved in at the top. This appeared to be the ultimate fortress.
In this lecture, we also discussed the existence of Jesus. Although there is no archeological evidence for him, many scholars do believe that he lived.
In this lecture we learned about the Roman conquest and rule in Jerusalem which began in 63 BCE. The Roman governor, Pompey, was the one who attacked and annexed Jerusalem for Rome. We also learned about other important figures in this time. One particular significant person in this period if Herod, who is known as Herod the Great. He first started out as a local ruler of Galilee when his father, Antipates, was installed as procurator. However, when his father was killed, he takes revenge for him. As he does this, he slowly rises to greatness. He first becomes king of Judea, then controls Galilee, Samaria and Idumea. Then he gets Jerusalem. Herod rules as a client king, where he tries to be good to both Rome and Jerusalem. He is sensitive to the Jews, for example, he does not put faces on their coin, yet he still does what Rome orders him to do. He was able to keep the Jews from rebelling since he knew the Jewish traditions, even though he is not a Jew, because his homeland, Idumea, was Judaized. Although Herod was a brutal dictator and ruled from 37 to 4 BCE, his way of dealing with the people worked.
In addition, Herod the Great was really known for his massive building projects. Even though most of these buildings represented himself, these projects gave people jobs. This means that a lot of people were working. He built the Herodian Temple Mount, which is referred to as the third temple, because many people believed that the second temple was not as great nor as nice as the first. He did not like that so he decided to build the temple mount since the second temple was not destroyed. Therefore, Herod expanded the temple and constructed the wall around it.
Herod built many other great buildings, such as the theater. aqueduct, and port at Caesarea. He even built a city south of Jerusalem. It looked like a mountain that was caved in at the top. This appeared to be the ultimate fortress.
In this lecture, we also discussed the existence of Jesus. Although there is no archeological evidence for him, many scholars do believe that he lived.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Liberator, Not Conqueror
(February 8)
This lecture is about the Persian Jerusalem, during the period of 539-333 BCE. We learned that King Cyrus of Persia gave the people of Jerusalem money in order for them to rebuild their temple. He wants to gain trust from these people, instead of using the scare tactic, so that they will not rebel against him. The Persians believed it would be more beneficial for them if the Jews actually liked them, unlike the Assyrians and Babylonians. In addition, King Cyrus made an announcement to the Jews through the "Cyrus Cylinder." It was an announcement for a general return to a person's homelands. He did not want to directly exile them because as I said before, he wanted the Jews to like Persia. Therefore, he subtly did it through this text. He wanted to appear as a "Liberator" rather than a "Conqueror" as part of this appeal. In addition, King Cyrus was also called the Jewish Messiah because of how he approached everything and because of his appeal. I believe he made a wise choice when he decided that he would rather have the Jews like him than fear him because it appears to be more effective. I believe if these people liked him, King Cyrus would have less of a chance of them rebelling because they would appreciate the relationship they are in. However, if these people feared them, they might conspire to do something to overtake him.
In addition, the Edict of Cyrus has two different accounts: the biblical account and the "Cyrus Cylinder." According to the biblical account, King Cyrus references the Hebrew God, YHWH, and says that He called out to him to rebuild the temple of Jerusalem and to have the people of Judea travel back to their homeland to begin this construction of the temple. According to the "Cyrus Cylinder," the lord of Babylon, Marduk, told him to Cyrus to battle his own people. It basically states that the city of Babylon fell to King Cyrus when he entered.
This lecture is about the Persian Jerusalem, during the period of 539-333 BCE. We learned that King Cyrus of Persia gave the people of Jerusalem money in order for them to rebuild their temple. He wants to gain trust from these people, instead of using the scare tactic, so that they will not rebel against him. The Persians believed it would be more beneficial for them if the Jews actually liked them, unlike the Assyrians and Babylonians. In addition, King Cyrus made an announcement to the Jews through the "Cyrus Cylinder." It was an announcement for a general return to a person's homelands. He did not want to directly exile them because as I said before, he wanted the Jews to like Persia. Therefore, he subtly did it through this text. He wanted to appear as a "Liberator" rather than a "Conqueror" as part of this appeal. In addition, King Cyrus was also called the Jewish Messiah because of how he approached everything and because of his appeal. I believe he made a wise choice when he decided that he would rather have the Jews like him than fear him because it appears to be more effective. I believe if these people liked him, King Cyrus would have less of a chance of them rebelling because they would appreciate the relationship they are in. However, if these people feared them, they might conspire to do something to overtake him.
In addition, the Edict of Cyrus has two different accounts: the biblical account and the "Cyrus Cylinder." According to the biblical account, King Cyrus references the Hebrew God, YHWH, and says that He called out to him to rebuild the temple of Jerusalem and to have the people of Judea travel back to their homeland to begin this construction of the temple. According to the "Cyrus Cylinder," the lord of Babylon, Marduk, told him to Cyrus to battle his own people. It basically states that the city of Babylon fell to King Cyrus when he entered.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
What to believe?
(February 1)
Josiah is accounted as a good king, however, he is killed early on during his reign. The Babylonians then began to rise in power and destroyed the Temple in Jerusalem in 586 BCE. Because of this, the promises that God made to David and to Jerusalem were questioned.
According to the pre-exilic passages, Josiah lived and was killed. No description or reasoning was given as to why he died. He was considered a good king who followed God. Now according to the post-exilic passages, it states that God is still upset with Manasseh, who took away Hezekiah's reforms. The texts here appears to explain and fix the promises made from God that appears to be broken.
In addition, we discussed the difficulty in what to do when a person's beliefs contradict their experience. The people of Jerusalem who believed in God were promised this land as well as other vows, but their experience in the destruction of the Temple and the exile illustrates that the promise was not carried out. This displays cognitive dissonance, which is defined as having two contradictory beliefs.
In order to fix this problem, people began to rationalize what had happened. They began saying that the Temple was a place for God's name; therefore his name will be there forever, not necessarily the building itself.
This lecture was somewhat depressing because it addressed the issue of how to deal with something that you believe in when reality proves opposite. This is also the end of the midterm material!
Josiah is accounted as a good king, however, he is killed early on during his reign. The Babylonians then began to rise in power and destroyed the Temple in Jerusalem in 586 BCE. Because of this, the promises that God made to David and to Jerusalem were questioned.
According to the pre-exilic passages, Josiah lived and was killed. No description or reasoning was given as to why he died. He was considered a good king who followed God. Now according to the post-exilic passages, it states that God is still upset with Manasseh, who took away Hezekiah's reforms. The texts here appears to explain and fix the promises made from God that appears to be broken.
In addition, we discussed the difficulty in what to do when a person's beliefs contradict their experience. The people of Jerusalem who believed in God were promised this land as well as other vows, but their experience in the destruction of the Temple and the exile illustrates that the promise was not carried out. This displays cognitive dissonance, which is defined as having two contradictory beliefs.
In order to fix this problem, people began to rationalize what had happened. They began saying that the Temple was a place for God's name; therefore his name will be there forever, not necessarily the building itself.
This lecture was somewhat depressing because it addressed the issue of how to deal with something that you believe in when reality proves opposite. This is also the end of the midterm material!
Jerusalem's Survival Against Assyria
(January 27)
In this lecture, we learned how the Assyrian's failure to destroy Jerusalem was the single greatest catalyst for the legend of this city as being inviolable. Assyria became a very strong country who were feared throw their fighting tactic. According to biblical accounts, God delivered Jerusalem from Assyria through Hezekiah. God supposedly wiped out the Assyrian army before they had a chance to conquer Jerusalem. However, the Assyrian accounts say that this reasoning is wrong. They supposedly trapped Jerusalem, like a bird in a cage, but did not destroy the city. Although both sides have different stories to what had happened, both accounts do say that Jerusalem survived the Assyrian onslaught. This further pursues Jerusalem's reputation as being the city that God will not destroy, therefore claiming its sacredness.
In addition, we addressed religious centralization. Hezekiah brings about a religious reform to praise God in only one place instead of at different shrines. He knocked down the other idols even though they all worshiped the same God. This action can be considered as an indication of the preparation for rebellion against the Assyrians because he is unifying the people.
Josiah is another king that addressed religious centralization after Manasseh, who undid all the religious reforms that Hezekiah placed. He also founded a religious book of the law called the "Deuteronomic" Reform. He used this as his guide for the reforms he established.
In this lecture, we learned how the Assyrian's failure to destroy Jerusalem was the single greatest catalyst for the legend of this city as being inviolable. Assyria became a very strong country who were feared throw their fighting tactic. According to biblical accounts, God delivered Jerusalem from Assyria through Hezekiah. God supposedly wiped out the Assyrian army before they had a chance to conquer Jerusalem. However, the Assyrian accounts say that this reasoning is wrong. They supposedly trapped Jerusalem, like a bird in a cage, but did not destroy the city. Although both sides have different stories to what had happened, both accounts do say that Jerusalem survived the Assyrian onslaught. This further pursues Jerusalem's reputation as being the city that God will not destroy, therefore claiming its sacredness.
In addition, we addressed religious centralization. Hezekiah brings about a religious reform to praise God in only one place instead of at different shrines. He knocked down the other idols even though they all worshiped the same God. This action can be considered as an indication of the preparation for rebellion against the Assyrians because he is unifying the people.
Josiah is another king that addressed religious centralization after Manasseh, who undid all the religious reforms that Hezekiah placed. He also founded a religious book of the law called the "Deuteronomic" Reform. He used this as his guide for the reforms he established.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Once a Whole, Now Divided
(January 25)
For a king to make a Golden Age, a few factors need to be met. The king must first build great palaces, create a united kingdom, and build a great temple where a divine eternal promise is given, remembered, and chronicled. The king must also die because that is usually when a person is memorialized. The reigns of David and Solomon were known as a "Golden Age." When Solomon dies, his son, Rehoboam takes throne. This is where the Golden Age ends.
The once united kingdom becomes divided into "Judah" and "Israel." In 1Kings 12:1-14, the people ask Rehoboam to lower the heavy taxes his father imposed on them. Rehoboam did not know what to do so he asked the older counsel, who have been around during his father's reign, for advice. They told him to listen to the people so that he can gain their trust. Instead, however, Rehoboam listens to his peers who said that he should not follow what the people want to display his authority over them. Because of this, the ten tribes from the north rebel with Jeroboam as their leader as become Israel.
For the people that live in Israel, their problem is that the Temple is in the south. Instead of having to travel to the south and spend their money there, increasing Judah's wealth, they decide to set up places of worship in Tel Dan and Bethel.
In addition, the rise of Assyria threatened both Israel and Judah. Their fight tactic was the scare the people so they would not fight nor rebel against them. When the Assyrians conquered Israel to the north, the Assyrians began deporting people. Once Israel falls in 721 BCE, these people start going to Jerusalem. The Assyrians did not fight Jerusalem, however, because it was difficult to fight a city up on a hill and they did not appear as a threat.
For a king to make a Golden Age, a few factors need to be met. The king must first build great palaces, create a united kingdom, and build a great temple where a divine eternal promise is given, remembered, and chronicled. The king must also die because that is usually when a person is memorialized. The reigns of David and Solomon were known as a "Golden Age." When Solomon dies, his son, Rehoboam takes throne. This is where the Golden Age ends.
The once united kingdom becomes divided into "Judah" and "Israel." In 1Kings 12:1-14, the people ask Rehoboam to lower the heavy taxes his father imposed on them. Rehoboam did not know what to do so he asked the older counsel, who have been around during his father's reign, for advice. They told him to listen to the people so that he can gain their trust. Instead, however, Rehoboam listens to his peers who said that he should not follow what the people want to display his authority over them. Because of this, the ten tribes from the north rebel with Jeroboam as their leader as become Israel.
For the people that live in Israel, their problem is that the Temple is in the south. Instead of having to travel to the south and spend their money there, increasing Judah's wealth, they decide to set up places of worship in Tel Dan and Bethel.
In addition, the rise of Assyria threatened both Israel and Judah. Their fight tactic was the scare the people so they would not fight nor rebel against them. When the Assyrians conquered Israel to the north, the Assyrians began deporting people. Once Israel falls in 721 BCE, these people start going to Jerusalem. The Assyrians did not fight Jerusalem, however, because it was difficult to fight a city up on a hill and they did not appear as a threat.
Founding the Temple
(January 20)
Two important passages are discussed in this lecture. The first passage is 2Samuel 7. In this text, God tells David that he does not need to build Him a house, that He will build David a house. This temple will be built by his heir. In addition, God makes a very important promise to David, in that there will always be an heir of David as ruler of Israel. Promises made by God are not supposed to be broken, however, there is a problem with this one because the Babylonians come into Jerusalem and destroy the kingdom. Because of this, some people lose faith altogether or try to rationalize this problem. The ones that try to rationalize say that a Messiah will come. This person is interpreted as Jesus, who is also called the "son of David" for this reason of God's promise. The second passage is 1Chronicles 21:28-22:10. The reason why David is unable to build God's house changes. It states that David cannot build the house of the Lord because he has shed so much blood whereas 2Samuel 7 states otherwise. This is another depiction of how the Bible is not always consistent with the information provided.
In this lecture, we also talked about how Jerusalem was made sacred through the Bible. Several significant stories supposedly originate from this city, like Creation and the Sabbath, Mount Moriah, and the story of Melchizedek. The purpose of all these stories was to build the tradition in Jerusalem.
Solomon's Jerusalem was also addressed in this lecture. He was said to be a wise king. One of his most famous stories was the one of the two mothers and two newborns. He was said to have written the proverbs as well. Although King Solomon was said to have accomplished many things, his existence, as well as his father's, King David, is still not proven.
Two important passages are discussed in this lecture. The first passage is 2Samuel 7. In this text, God tells David that he does not need to build Him a house, that He will build David a house. This temple will be built by his heir. In addition, God makes a very important promise to David, in that there will always be an heir of David as ruler of Israel. Promises made by God are not supposed to be broken, however, there is a problem with this one because the Babylonians come into Jerusalem and destroy the kingdom. Because of this, some people lose faith altogether or try to rationalize this problem. The ones that try to rationalize say that a Messiah will come. This person is interpreted as Jesus, who is also called the "son of David" for this reason of God's promise. The second passage is 1Chronicles 21:28-22:10. The reason why David is unable to build God's house changes. It states that David cannot build the house of the Lord because he has shed so much blood whereas 2Samuel 7 states otherwise. This is another depiction of how the Bible is not always consistent with the information provided.
In this lecture, we also talked about how Jerusalem was made sacred through the Bible. Several significant stories supposedly originate from this city, like Creation and the Sabbath, Mount Moriah, and the story of Melchizedek. The purpose of all these stories was to build the tradition in Jerusalem.
Solomon's Jerusalem was also addressed in this lecture. He was said to be a wise king. One of his most famous stories was the one of the two mothers and two newborns. He was said to have written the proverbs as well. Although King Solomon was said to have accomplished many things, his existence, as well as his father's, King David, is still not proven.
Is there a David?
(January 18)
David's existence was said to be controversial in the last blog because there were no other texts about him besides what is said in the Bible. However, this was true until the Tel Dan inscription. This inscription says something about the "House of David." This shows that there were people that referred to themselves as the house of David, but it does not prove that David actually existed.
In addition, we learned more about the Gihon Spring. This is the only spring located in Jerusalem. Gihon means "gushing" and it produces about 317 gallons of water per day which was a fair amount for the size of the city. This spring was also the place for the anointing of the King of Israel.
When Jesus traveled to Jerusalem, he made an explicit claim. He went through the Kidron Valley and through the Gihon Spring as well. This shows that Jesus was making his claim and setting himself up to be the King of Israel. Him traveling through the spring expresses the anointing of Jesus.
This lecture also talks about the Ark of the Covenant. This is a portable shrine, however, the people of God were not supposed to worship any other idol yet they worshiped this. In addition, once the temple in Jerusalem was built, the Ark of the Covenant was placed inside.
David's existence was said to be controversial in the last blog because there were no other texts about him besides what is said in the Bible. However, this was true until the Tel Dan inscription. This inscription says something about the "House of David." This shows that there were people that referred to themselves as the house of David, but it does not prove that David actually existed.
In addition, we learned more about the Gihon Spring. This is the only spring located in Jerusalem. Gihon means "gushing" and it produces about 317 gallons of water per day which was a fair amount for the size of the city. This spring was also the place for the anointing of the King of Israel.
When Jesus traveled to Jerusalem, he made an explicit claim. He went through the Kidron Valley and through the Gihon Spring as well. This shows that Jesus was making his claim and setting himself up to be the King of Israel. Him traveling through the spring expresses the anointing of Jesus.
This lecture also talks about the Ark of the Covenant. This is a portable shrine, however, the people of God were not supposed to worship any other idol yet they worshiped this. In addition, once the temple in Jerusalem was built, the Ark of the Covenant was placed inside.
The Holy City Leading up to David's Throne
(January 13)
This lecture is about the Canaanite Jerusalem, which is the Pre-Israelite and Middle-Late Bronze Age. There is a lot of pottery found from this era, and these findings are good evidence that back up many biblical claims. Something else that was found in this age were execration texts. These are clay tablets with hieroglyphic engravings founded from Sakkara, Egypt. These texts are similar to voodoo dolls. A person would write his/her enemies onto this tablet then smash it after to curse them. An execration text was found with Jerusalem's name on it, meaning that someone from Sakkara was trying to curse this city.
In addition, many stories in the Bible contradict one another. For example, there are three sections in the books of Joshua that talk about how the Israelites killed everyone, but in Joshua 15:63, it states that "the people of Judah could not drive out the Jebusites, the inhabitants of Jerusalem; so the Jebusites live with the people of Judah in Jerusalem to this day." Then in Judges, this book talks about the Canaanites but they were supposedly wiped out already. This shows how some of the biblical texts oppose each other.
In this lecture, we also discussed Jerusalem under King David's rule. David is said to be a "man after God's own heart."Several stories about this king is told in the Bible. However, his existence is very controversial. Many scholars believe he did not exist because there are no other texts besides what is said in the Bible about his existence.
This lecture is about the Canaanite Jerusalem, which is the Pre-Israelite and Middle-Late Bronze Age. There is a lot of pottery found from this era, and these findings are good evidence that back up many biblical claims. Something else that was found in this age were execration texts. These are clay tablets with hieroglyphic engravings founded from Sakkara, Egypt. These texts are similar to voodoo dolls. A person would write his/her enemies onto this tablet then smash it after to curse them. An execration text was found with Jerusalem's name on it, meaning that someone from Sakkara was trying to curse this city.
In addition, many stories in the Bible contradict one another. For example, there are three sections in the books of Joshua that talk about how the Israelites killed everyone, but in Joshua 15:63, it states that "the people of Judah could not drive out the Jebusites, the inhabitants of Jerusalem; so the Jebusites live with the people of Judah in Jerusalem to this day." Then in Judges, this book talks about the Canaanites but they were supposedly wiped out already. This shows how some of the biblical texts oppose each other.
In this lecture, we also discussed Jerusalem under King David's rule. David is said to be a "man after God's own heart."Several stories about this king is told in the Bible. However, his existence is very controversial. Many scholars believe he did not exist because there are no other texts besides what is said in the Bible about his existence.
Sacred Sacred Sacred
(January 11)
In this lecture we continued the discussion about a sacred space. After an event happens, something is usually built on that sacred spot in order to consecrate it. A place needs to be "found" in order to be considered sacred. Several monuments were built in Jerusalem to distinguish it as a sacred space, like the Temple, Church of the Holy Sepulcher, and Dome of the Rock. To further implement that Jerusalem is a sacred place, it is said that Adam, the first man created by God according to the book of Genesis, was buried under the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Jerusalem attracts many stories to enhance its credibility as a sacred space. The story of Melchizedek, Abraham and Isaac, and even the story of Creation are all considered to have occurred in this city.
In addition, we learned that in Jewish tradition, a person is not allowed to say God's true name, YHWH. The reason for this is because if it is said or written, it can be erased. Other alternatives are made to refer to God, like Hashem or LORD.
In this lecture we continued the discussion about a sacred space. After an event happens, something is usually built on that sacred spot in order to consecrate it. A place needs to be "found" in order to be considered sacred. Several monuments were built in Jerusalem to distinguish it as a sacred space, like the Temple, Church of the Holy Sepulcher, and Dome of the Rock. To further implement that Jerusalem is a sacred place, it is said that Adam, the first man created by God according to the book of Genesis, was buried under the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Jerusalem attracts many stories to enhance its credibility as a sacred space. The story of Melchizedek, Abraham and Isaac, and even the story of Creation are all considered to have occurred in this city.
In addition, we learned that in Jewish tradition, a person is not allowed to say God's true name, YHWH. The reason for this is because if it is said or written, it can be erased. Other alternatives are made to refer to God, like Hashem or LORD.
Jerusalem as a Sacred Place
(January 6)
In this lecture we learned about Jerusalem being a sacred space. We defined that a place can be sacred in two ways: something significant occurs and/or an important person is born. In addition, shrines are built here for people to visit and make pilgrimages.
Next we discussed Jerusalem's physical features. This city was built on a hill with no major trade routes that go through nor a major water source near by. The only real water source is the Gihon Spring. It also is surrounded by valleys except to the north. The geography of Jerusalem does not indicate it as being a great city yet it is still a central city for three main faiths (Judaism, Christianity and Islam). The possible reason for this is Jerusalem's acknowledgment as a sacred place.
In addition to Jerusalem's features, this city is divided into 4 quarters. To the northwest is the Christian quarter, to the northeast is the Islamic quarter, to the southeast is the Judaean quarter, and to the southwest is the Armenian quarter. The Temple Mount located at the eastern side of Jerusalem can be counted as the fifth quarter as well. One of the oldest spot of the temple and one of the holiest site in Jerusalem is the Western Wall. The Western Wall is not the western wall of the temple, however, but of the Temple Mount.
In this lecture, we also learned about axis mundi. It is defined as being in the center of the world and connects heaven to earth. Although it is depicted as being "the center of the world," there are multiple locations marked as being an axis mundi.
In this lecture we learned about Jerusalem being a sacred space. We defined that a place can be sacred in two ways: something significant occurs and/or an important person is born. In addition, shrines are built here for people to visit and make pilgrimages.
Next we discussed Jerusalem's physical features. This city was built on a hill with no major trade routes that go through nor a major water source near by. The only real water source is the Gihon Spring. It also is surrounded by valleys except to the north. The geography of Jerusalem does not indicate it as being a great city yet it is still a central city for three main faiths (Judaism, Christianity and Islam). The possible reason for this is Jerusalem's acknowledgment as a sacred place.
In addition to Jerusalem's features, this city is divided into 4 quarters. To the northwest is the Christian quarter, to the northeast is the Islamic quarter, to the southeast is the Judaean quarter, and to the southwest is the Armenian quarter. The Temple Mount located at the eastern side of Jerusalem can be counted as the fifth quarter as well. One of the oldest spot of the temple and one of the holiest site in Jerusalem is the Western Wall. The Western Wall is not the western wall of the temple, however, but of the Temple Mount.
In this lecture, we also learned about axis mundi. It is defined as being in the center of the world and connects heaven to earth. Although it is depicted as being "the center of the world," there are multiple locations marked as being an axis mundi.
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