The Jerusalem Publishing House

JERUSALEM THROUGH THE AGES

Rivka Gonen

Jerusalem is perhaps one of the few cities in the world which has been continuously inhabited since its establishment around 1850 B.C. It has survived for so long despite the fact that it is situated in the mountains, on the verge of the desert, and has a limited water supply. It lies far from the sea and from the main commercial routes. Its longevity is due first and foremost to the fact that about 3000 years ago it acquired a holiness which has not diminished ever since. In fact its holiness has been enhanced over the years, as both Christianity and Islam added their visions of holiness to the original Jewish one. This holiness is also the source of the present-day strife regarding the city.

This lavishly illustrated book, with pull-out copies of many original documents, aims at highlighting the long and varied history of the city, the various kings who sat on its throne, and the different people who inhabited it. By juxtaposing whenever possible the past and the present of the same site, the book offers the reader and visitor the opportunity to enjoy the colorful fabric that is Jerusalem, a city made up of so many different threads, in an entirely new and deeply satisfying way. This will help the reader understand that Jerusalem is not just a concept or museum-piece, but is a living, vibrant city.