About Jerusalem: The City, it’s Geographical Site, and it’s Location

Where was Jerusalem Originally Established?

Jerusalem was originally established high on Ophel Hill, a hill located on top of the mountain range in the middle chain of the Palestinian ranges.^[1]

Is Jerusalem Located on a Mountain?

Yes, Jerusalem is located on the Jerusalem mountain ridge which is part of the multiple Palestinian mountain ranges in it’s area. 

What was the Geography of the Original Site of Jerusalem Made Up of?

The original site of the city was made up of four mountainous regions surrounded by valleys.

What Mountains are Located in Jerusalem?

The Mount of Moria(Marwah) where Al-Haram Al-Sharif is, the Mount of Akra where the Church of the Holy Sepulcher is, the Mount of Bezita near the gate of Al-Saherah, and the Mount of Zion where the Mosque of David is.^[2]

What Valleys Surround Jerusalem?

The valleys surrounding include the Valley of Kidron to the east, the Valley of Hanom to the south and the Valley of Zubail to the west.^[3]

Where is Jerusalem Located Exactly?

Jerusalem is located on a latitude of 25.13 degrees north and 52.3 degrees east of Greenwich,^[4] and is 291 meters above sea level.^[5] It is twenty-two km from the Dead Sea, fifty-two Km from the Mediterranean Sea.^{[6] [7]}

Is Jerusalem Considered One of the Most Important Cities in the World?

Jerusalem is central not only to modern-day Palestine where it is surrounded by main cities like Jericho to the east, Lod and Ramla to the west, Ramallah to the north, and Bethlehem to the south^[8], but also to the ancient world. n ancient maps, like the 16th century German map, and writings ^[9] It is represented as a point of connection between different civilizations–particularly as it lies on the ancient road between the Levant and Egypt, on the cross roads between Nablus and Hebron, and on the land passage between Jericho and the Mediterranean.^[10] It is because of this centrality that Jerusalem was often targeted and invaded throughout its history and that whenever Jerusalem was captured, the rest of Palestinian Territories would to fall under occupation..^[11]

As a city, Jerusalem is relatively secure and habitable:^[12] Its high location gives it a natural preliminary defense against invaders and enemies.^[13] Moreover, the presence of a spring nearby helped humans inhabit the location early on.^[14]

What Made Jerusalem Such an Important City?

Jerusalem has no unique economic or topographic features that make it more important than ancient villages and towns like. It was not established by river or an important harbor. No great highway or cross roads are in the area, no major source of water, no mineral riches, and no remarkable trade routes.^[15] What gave Jerusalem its unique importance is its symbolic religious and spiritual value as a center for the three Abrahamic religions: Islam, Christianity, and Judaism.^[16] Jerusalem, the land of prophets and prophecies, was conquered several times throughout its history by different religious groups and others who recognized its importance. It was established by the Jebusites, a sub-group of the Arab Canaanites, and subsequently raided and ruled by Egyptians, Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Arab Muslims, Seljuks, Crusaders, Mamluks, Ottoman, British, and Israelis.^[17]