Jerusalem.

Why was Jerusalem so sought after?

Photo by Reiseuhu on Unsplash

I am curious about its history. I learn that Jerusalem has been a city of religious significance for Jews, Christians, and Muslims, for over 2000 years.

Historically, Jerusalem, one of the oldest cities in the world, was besieged over 20 times & destroyed twice. The Crusaders needed to recapture the city from Muslim rule, as it was essential to pilgrimages.

Judaism considers the city holy & they know it as Zion. Jews believe God designed the city for them.

For Islam, Jerusalem contains one of the holiest mosques, the Al-Quds, after the one in Mecca.

In Christianity, the city of Jerusalem is sacred to many religious traditions. Moreover, Jerusalem’s place in the life of Jesus and its place in the Old Testament gives it great significance for believers.

Geographically, Jerusalem was important for different empires to get a foothold in the Middle East for military campaigns & trade.

Historical events;

In November 1095, Christian armies from the West decided to recapture the Holy Land from the Muslims.

December 1096, Western forces arrive in the Byzantine capital of Constantinople to begin the war.