Jerusalem : the biography

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Jerusalem, the universal city and capital of two peoples, is a sacred site for three faiths and a focal point of empires and modern conflicts. Spanning 3,000 years, its history intertwines faith, violence, fanaticism, and coexistence. From its origins with King David to contemporary figures like Barack Obama, the narrative explores how this small town evolved into the Holy City and a key to Middle Eastern peace. Through a vivid recounting, Simon Sebag Montefiore brings to life the city's transformations and the influential figures who shaped it—kings, prophets, poets, and everyday citizens alike. The story features a diverse cast, including Solomon, Saladin, and Suleiman the Magnificent, alongside historical figures like Cleopatra, Caligula, and Churchill, as well as Abraham, Jesus, and Muhammad. It traverses the ancient world with figures like Jezebel and Nebuchadnezzar to modern personalities such as the Kaiser and Lawrence of Arabia. Utilizing new archives and a wealth of scholarship, Montefiore delves into the city's essence, exploring themes of sanctity, identity, and empire. This narrative reveals how Jerusalem became a unique city, existing simultaneously in heaven and on earth.