Holy Sites in Jerusalem

Abraham Abraham led his people to the land of Canaan, roughly modern-day Israel.

Moses and Exodus Moses led the Jews out of Egypt and back to the holy land.

King David & Jerusalem Around 1000 BCE, King David united the Jewish people and made Jerusalem his capital. Yerushalayim, means "Heritage of Peace."

Judah and Israel: the Kingdoms of David and Solomon

Solomon the Wise David’s son Solomon built the First Holy Temple in Jerusalem.

Solomon threatens to “divide” a baby in order to determine the true mother.

The Temple of Solomon: the First Holy Temple of Judaism.

The Ark of the Covenant was located in the Holy of Holies on the Foundation Stone inside the First Temple.

Babylonian Captivity Around 586 BCE, the First Temple was destroyed and many Jews were exiled to Babylonia.

Return to Jerusalem The Persians allowed the Jews to return to the holy land and they rebuilt the temple in 516 BCE.

Herod’s Temple In 19 BCE, Herod, a Jewish client king under Roman rule, expanded the temple.

Herod’s Temple: the Second Holy Temple of Judaism.

Destruction of the Temple & the Diaspora In 70 CE, the Great Jewish Revolt against Roman rule resulted in the destruction of the Second Temple and the Diaspora, the exile of Jews.

The Western Wall The Western Wall, also known as the Wailing Wall, the remains of the Second Temple, remains the focal point of Jewish worship.

Christianity and the Holy Land According the Christian tradition, Jesus preached, was crucified and resurrected in Jerusalem.

Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) Located on the Hill of Calvary, where the New Testament describes that Jesus was crucified. It also is said to contain the place where Jesus was reportedly buried (the sepulchre).

Built under Constantine I around 325 CE Built under Constantine I around 325 CE. Rebuilt or remodeled many times. The church has been an important Christian pilgrimage destination since the 4th century.

The Stone of the Anointing, believed to be the place where Jesus' body was prepared for burial. It is the 13th Station of the Cross.

The Stations of the Cross (Way of Sorrow) Christian pilgrims trace the last steps of Jesus.

Islam and the Holy Land Muslims believe Muhammad made a journey to Jerusalem around 621 CE.

The Holy Land under Muslim Rule The Holy Land came under Islamic rule in 638 CE. In 691 CE, the Dome of the Rock was built on the site of the Temple Mount.

Dome of the Rock (Noble Sanctuary) Built over the Foundation Stone. Believed to be the spot where Abraham prepared his son for sacrifice and the last location of the Ark of the Covenant. Believed to be the spot where Muhammad ascended to God in Heaven.

The al-Aqsa Mosque Translates as the Farthest Mosque. Part of the Islamic Noble Sanctuary (Jewish Temple Mount) in Jerusalem. Built between 709-715 CE.