Welcome to Israel. This fascinating country has a rich history and landscape to explore, starting with this rapidly moving history of Jerusalem.
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Last remnant of the original retaining wall which surrounded the Second Temple,
Alexander the Great conquered Jerusalem in 332 BC. Led by Judah Maccabee, the Jews defeated the Seleucids and rededicated the Temple in 164 BC. Jewish independence was re-established under the Hasmonean dynasty, which lasted for 100+ years, until Pompey imposed Roman rule. King Herod was installed as Judah’s ruler by the Romans and ruled 37-4 BCE. The Crusaders conquered Jerusalem in 1099, massacred the Jews and Muslims, and established it as the Crusader Kingdom’s capital.
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Church of Holy Sepulchre, 4th century,
The sites where Jesus was crucified and the empty tomb where he was buried
Tower of David (Citadel)
located at the Jaffa Gate, within an ancient and restored fortressKing David made Jerusalem his kingdom's capital in 1003 BC. In 586 BC Nebuchadnezzar King of Babylon took Jerusalem, exiled the population and destroyed the Temple. 50 years later, Babylon was conquered by the Persians and King Cyrus allowed the Jews to return to their autonomous homeland. A Second Temple was built on the site of the First.
built in 516 BC.
Alexander the Great conquered Jerusalem in 332 BC. Led by Judah Maccabee, the Jews defeated the Seleucids and rededicated the Temple in 164 BC. Jewish independence was re-established under the Hasmonean dynasty, which lasted for 100+ years, until Pompey imposed Roman rule. King Herod was installed as Judah’s ruler by the Romans and ruled 37-4 BCE. The Crusaders conquered Jerusalem in 1099, massacred the Jews and Muslims, and established it as the Crusader Kingdom’s capital.
The sites where Jesus was crucified and the empty tomb where he was buried
Crusader rule over Jerusalem ended in 1187 when the city fell to Saladin. The Ottoman Turks ruled Jerusalem from 1517, Suleiman the Magnificent rebuilding the city walls (1537), a Sultan’s Pool and public fountains. The Turks ruled until 1917 when the British army under Gen Allenby conquered Jerusalem. From 1922-48 British authorities ruled until 1948 when the British Mandate was terminated and Israel was proclaimed.
During Covid, local authorities teamed up with big foundations to renovate the major historic Roman shopping street, The Cardo. A new outdoor archaeological exhibition was started, telling the story of the Ancient Jewish Quarter of Jerusalem. See c180 unique archaeological items from this part of the Jewish Quarter, exhibits that tell the history of the communities that inhabited Jerusalem over centuries. The relics examine the lives of Jews, Christians and others; how the Jewish quarter looked in different historical eras, from Roman to Byzantine times to the Crusades.
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During Covid, local authorities teamed up with big foundations to renovate the major historic Roman shopping street, The Cardo. A new outdoor archaeological exhibition was started, telling the story of the Ancient Jewish Quarter of Jerusalem. See c180 unique archaeological items from this part of the Jewish Quarter, exhibits that tell the history of the communities that inhabited Jerusalem over centuries. The relics examine the lives of Jews, Christians and others; how the Jewish quarter looked in different historical eras, from Roman to Byzantine times to the Crusades.
Workshops leased by craftsmen and merchants,
Roman-Byzantine times, c200 ADThe Cardo excavations
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Church of Saint Peter
Byzantine shrine dedicated to Peter's repentance first built here in 457 AD
Normally besieged by pilgrims and tourists, the Tower of David would have been impossible to thoroughly excavate and investigate. This citadel was one of Jerusalem’s most visited sites, attracting half a million+ visitors pre-Covid. During Covid, excavation and restoration work begun in earnest in July 2020, using a $40 million budget allocated by the Tower of David Museum and Israel’s Tourism Ministry.
Tower of David Museum
The archaeological digs began in the fortress’ courtyard where Tower of David’s visitors gained greater historical understanding of the medieval past. As summarised above, the city changed hands multiple times since the First Crusade (1099) so the new excavations used modern technology to assess the historical relics of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. This produced a clearer picture of the lifestyle of the various civilisations that once inhabited the area.
Byzantine shrine dedicated to Peter's repentance first built here in 457 AD
Now some practical advice. Israel was founded in 1948, with Jerusalem as capital. Religions: 75% Jewish, 18% Muslim, with 7% Christian and Druze etc. The 2022 population was 9,038,309, with Hebrew and Arabic being the official national languages while other languages, including English, are widely spoken.
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Arab Souq Market
Visas are issued for c3 months, according to nationality. Some nationalities will require a visa to be issued upon arrival, so check with nearest Israel Embassy or Consulate. Travellers are responsible for ensuring that their passport is valid for the duration of their stay, and should be valid for at least 6 months after the planned travel period.
No vaccines are required for entering Israel, although certain immunisations may be recommended. Israel has excellent medical facilities, and tourists may go to all emergency departments and first-aid centres, marked by the red Star of David. But medical treatments can be expensive so medical travel insurance is recommended. Plus comprehensive travel insurance will cover possible loss of possessions, illness and injury during the holiday.
The local currency is the New Israeli Shekel at c4.0 shekels to U.S $1 exchange. ATM machines are widely available for exchanging shekels. US $s are accepted at all money changers, and at many tourist shops. Some shops do not accept credit cards, so take some USD travellers cheques and cash. Exchange shekels back to USD at any bank.
The Jewish Sabbath begins at sunset Friday until sunset Saturday when many shops and restaurants, and all banks, are closed, although ATMs are available for cash withdrawal. Due to the variety of religions in Israel, there are different shopping hours depending on the site: Muslim shops close on Fridays, Jewish shops close on Saturdays and Christian shops close on Suns. Muslim and Christian holidays are also observed by their populations. Tipping is welcomed by Israeli service providers.
Recommended clothing when visiting holy sites (churches, synagogues, Western Wall) include modestly covered shoulders and legs. Avoid very brief clothing in Jerusalem, but in Tel Aviv clothing is more relaxed, particularly near the beach. Wear casual, comfortable clothing while touring, and a solid pair of flat walking shoes. Summers can be very hot, so for sun protection have a large sunhat, sunglasses and suntan cream, and rest during the mid-day heat. The Mediterranean climate has a pleasant spring and autumn. Winters in the north can be cool while winter rain is widespread, particularly in Jerusalem.
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Dome of the Rock, Islamic shrine, built 690 AD
No vaccines are required for entering Israel, although certain immunisations may be recommended. Israel has excellent medical facilities, and tourists may go to all emergency departments and first-aid centres, marked by the red Star of David. But medical treatments can be expensive so medical travel insurance is recommended. Plus comprehensive travel insurance will cover possible loss of possessions, illness and injury during the holiday.
The local currency is the New Israeli Shekel at c4.0 shekels to U.S $1 exchange. ATM machines are widely available for exchanging shekels. US $s are accepted at all money changers, and at many tourist shops. Some shops do not accept credit cards, so take some USD travellers cheques and cash. Exchange shekels back to USD at any bank.
The Jewish Sabbath begins at sunset Friday until sunset Saturday when many shops and restaurants, and all banks, are closed, although ATMs are available for cash withdrawal. Due to the variety of religions in Israel, there are different shopping hours depending on the site: Muslim shops close on Fridays, Jewish shops close on Saturdays and Christian shops close on Suns. Muslim and Christian holidays are also observed by their populations. Tipping is welcomed by Israeli service providers.
Recommended clothing when visiting holy sites (churches, synagogues, Western Wall) include modestly covered shoulders and legs. Avoid very brief clothing in Jerusalem, but in Tel Aviv clothing is more relaxed, particularly near the beach. Wear casual, comfortable clothing while touring, and a solid pair of flat walking shoes. Summers can be very hot, so for sun protection have a large sunhat, sunglasses and suntan cream, and rest during the mid-day heat. The Mediterranean climate has a pleasant spring and autumn. Winters in the north can be cool while winter rain is widespread, particularly in Jerusalem.
from where the Prophet Muhammad ascended to Heaven
Guest post by Naftali,
images by Wiki