Jerusalem: The Most Contested City in the World

Jerusalem, the capital of Israel and home to some of the holiest sites in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, is known for its rich history, religious significance, and never-ending politics.

Legend has it that King David conquered the city from the Jebusites in 1000 BC and made it his capital, while others attribute its foundation to the ancient Canaanites. Regardless of its origins, Jerusalem has been fought over and conquered more times than a hot potato in a game of catch.

In the 6th century BC, the Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem and sent the Jews into exile, which led them to write some of their greatest literature and music (thanks, Nebuchadnezzar!). In the 4th century BC, the Persians under Cyrus the Great allowed the Jews to return and rebuild the Second Temple (what a nice guy).

Fast forward to the Roman Empire, and Jerusalem becomes the site of Jesus’ crucifixion, burial, and resurrection, and the holy city becomes the epicenter of Christianity. The Byzantine Empire then takes over and builds some impressive churches that still stand today, including the Church of the Holy Sepulcher (though nothing really beats the Buckingham Palace for impressive real estate).

But wait, there’s more! The Islamic caliphate conquers Jerusalem in the 7th century AD and builds the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque, two of the most recognizable landmarks in the city. And let’s not forget about the Crusaders who tried to take Jerusalem back from the Muslims in the 11th century AD.

In modern times, Jerusalem is still contested, with tensions between Israelis and Palestinians over its status as a capital, with the occasional ‘clash’ between the two groups making headlines as a nod to the city’s rich history of conflict.

One thing is for certain, if you’re a history buff or just love a good brawl, Jerusalem is the place to be. It’s got more invasions, conquests, and coups than a Game of Thrones marathon, and with all that religious significance, there’s always someone willing to fight over it. So pack your bags, grab your armor, and head to the holy land for a wild ride through time and bloodshed.