Jerusalem: A Journey Through Time

Jerusalem is a city with a deep significance to many peoples all over the world and is considered one of the most important cities for Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Throughout the ages, and until today, Jerusalem has been the focus of major historical events, a location for religious pilgrimage, and a focus on much religious, political, national and ideological focus. Already in biblical times, and continuing until this very day, what happened and happens in Jerusalem is a focus of interest worldwide. In this course, we will learn about the history and archaeology of ancient Jerusalem, from its earliest beginnings in the late Prehistoric Periods (ca. 5th millennium BCE) and until the Muslim conquest of the city in the 7th century CE. We will cover the main finds and periods during this long time span, including the periods relating to the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament, the Christian Bible/New Testament, and periods including the Bronze Ages, the Iron Age (1st Temple Period), the Persian, Hellenistic and Early Roman Periods (2nd Temple Period), and the Late Roman and Byzantine Periods. We will discuss the geography, history and archaeology of the city, and its place in the broader geopolitical and religious contexts, visit major archaeological sites situated in the city and its surroundings, and meet and talk with leading researchers in the field of history and archaeology. Studying the history and archaeology of ancient Jerusalem not only will enlighten us about the city itself but serve as an excellent basis to learn about the methods of history and archaeology, and the history and archaeology of the Land of Israel/Southern Levant in the periods that we will survey. As Jerusalem is such a magnet of interest for so many people throughout the world, of various cultures, religions, backgrounds, and beliefs, we believe that the course will be of deep interest, and relevance, for many. The course is conducted online, and the student can determine the pace of study within the given time that the course will be open. The course is equivalent to a one semester course, with 8 lessons with about 2 hours of work per lesson.

• You will Learn about the history and archaeology of ancient Jerusalem/ Learn about the methods used in history and archaeology/ Learn about the place of Jerusalem during the various periods /Visit important archaeological sites in Jerusalem/ Hear discussions with leading scholars studying ancient Jerusalem/ Learn about the history and archaeology of the ancient Land of Israel/Southern Levant