What is the First Holy City in Judaism?
Three millennia ago, the ancient Canaanites discovered the land in what today we call the capital of Israel, Jerusalem.
The first construction, in 1000 BCE, of the town began when King David established it as the capital of the Kingdom of Israel. Developmental progress became steady as major milestones were completed, such as the completion of the First Temple in 960 BCE, led by King Solomon. Over time, Jerusalem became the heart and soul of the Jewish people, even as enemies reclaimed the town’s borders. For instance, a pattern erupted that included building and rebuilding these places of worship, like the Babylonians destroying the First Temple in 586 BCE, the Jews rebuilding, and the Romans burning the Second Temple in 70 CE. As Jews were experiencing ongoing persecution by enemy empires, they focused on their primary goal of expanding Jewish identity across the land of Israel.
Today, Jerusalem has become the primary site for practicing Judaism. As a profound symbol in Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, hope remains the same.
Why it matters
From the Western Wall to the Kotel, Jerusalem remains the holiest city in the world for Jews.
1) Who was the first major ruler of Jerusalem?
King David was the first major ruler of Jerusalem. In 1000 BCE, he captured the city and made it the capital of the united kingdom of Israel.
Source: youtube.com/watch?v=xtusTz5rZkk&t=18
2) Who built Jerusalem's Dome of the Rock?
In 691 CE, the Umayyad Caliph Abd al-Malik erected the iconic shrine on the Temple Mount.
Source: worldhistory.org/jerusalem
3) When were the First and Second Temples built?
The First Temple, known as King Solomon's Temple, was built around 966-957 BCE, during his reign. In 586 BCE, it was destroyed by the Babylonian Empire under Nebuchadnezzar II. In 538 BCE, the Second Temple began construction and was finished in 515 BCE under leaders like Zerubbabel, but it was destroyed in 70 CE by Roman legions during the Siege of Jerusalem.