Gone Medieval Medieval Jerusalem
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Mar 21, 2025 In this insightful conversation, historian and archaeologist Jodi Magness shares her expertise on the storied history of Jerusalem. She discusses the city’s transformation during the Crusades, including its pivotal role in religious conflicts. From the peaceful transition to Islamic rule and the construction of the Dome of the Rock to the challenges of living in a city marked by both faith and violence, Jodi paints a vivid picture of how Jerusalem remains a complex tapestry of history, culture, and belief.
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Jerusalem's Importance
- Jerusalem's significance in the medieval world, particularly for Europeans, stemmed from its religious importance.
- Despite this, it wasn't a major metropolis like Athens or Rome, but a smaller, relatively remote mountain town.
Ancient Jerusalem
- Jerusalem's history spans millennia, from the Bronze Age through Israelite rule and various empires.
- Key events include King David's conquest, Solomon's temple, Babylonian exile, Roman rule, and the city's destruction and rebuilding.
Byzantine Jerusalem
- Jerusalem fell under Byzantine control due to the Roman Empire's split into eastern and western halves.
- The eastern half, with Constantinople as its capital, became the Byzantine Empire, encompassing Jerusalem.