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Which ancient civilization did the Holy places of Jerusalem belong to?

Fern Philpotts

The Holy places of Jerusalem are steeped in history and religious significance, drawing visitors of different faiths from all over the world. This begs the question, which ancient civilization did these holy places belong to?

The history of Jerusalem dates back thousands of years, and the holy places of the city have been claimed by many different civilizations. However, one civilization that played a significant role in the history of Jerusalem's holy places was the Ancient Israelites.

The Ancient Israelites were a group of people who migrated to the land of Canaan, which today is Israel and Palestine, around the 12th century BC. They believed in one God, and Jerusalem played an essential role in their religion. According to the Bible, Jerusalem was the capital of King David's kingdom, and King Solomon built the first Temple in Jerusalem, which became the center of Jewish worship.

In 586 BC, the Babylonians conquered Jerusalem, destroyed the Temple, and exiled the Israelites to Babylon. However, the Israelites eventually returned to Jerusalem and rebuilt the Temple. Around 20 BC, Herod the Great, a Roman-appointed king of Judea, renovated and expanded the second Temple, which became the focal point of Jewish worship until it was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD.

The Holy places of Jerusalem, such as the Western Wall, the Temple Mount, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, are significant in the religion of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The Western Wall, which is all that remains of the Second Temple, is considered the holiest site in Judaism, and Jews from all over the world come to pray there. The Temple Mount, where both the first and second Temples stood, is regarded as a holy site in Judaism and Islam. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which is believed to be the site of Jesus' crucifixion and burial, is a holy site for Christians.

In conclusion, while the Holy places of Jerusalem have been claimed by many civilizations, the ancient Israelites played a significant role in shaping the city's religious history. The temples they built and the practices they developed continue to influence worship in Jerusalem today.