Jerusalem

Jerusalem is a city located in the Middle East, considered holy by Jews, Christians and Muslims alike. It has been fought over for centuries due to its importance as a spiritual center of three major religions. The region around Jerusalem was historically known as Judea or Palestine until the early 20th century when it became part of British-controlled Mandatory Palestine after World War I.

The city itself dates back to at least 3000 BCE during which time it served as an important trading hub between Egypt and Mesopotamia. This continued into Biblical times where it served as capital of the Kingdom of Judah and later Ancient Israel under kings David and Solomon before its capture by Babylonians in 586 BCE. After being taken by Alexander the Great in 332 BCE, Jerusalem fell successively to Seleucids (164–63 BC), Romans (63 BC – AD 70) , Byzantines (AD 330–638), Arabs/Ottomans(637-1099 & 1517-1918 respectively). In 1099, Crusaders captured Jerusalem from Fatimid Egyptians leading to 200 years of Crusader rule ending with Mamluk defeat in 1291 CE . Ottoman Turks then took control until their empire’s end WWI leading to British Mandate period followed by 1947 UN Partition plan resulting in 1948 Arab Israeli war that resulted divided City with Jordan controlling Eastern parts while Israelis West Bank including Old City & Temple Mount area . Since 1967 Six Day War Israel claims whole city though most international countries do not recognize this claim

With long history associated religious significance plus political tensions lead some call “Most Contested Spot on Earth” Today population estimated 880K inhabitants consisting mainly Jewish (~70%) Muslim (~ 28%) Christian (~ 2%). Regardless religion many come pilgrimage visit sacred sites such Western Wall Dome Rock Church Holy Sepulchre Garden Tomb Mary Magdalene etc While complex conflict remains unresolved today everyday life continues traditional markets souks cafes exotic foods vibrant nightlife attracting tourists world over making place both ancient modern urban magic