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The Modern Scholar

Jerusalem: The Contested City

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The Modern Scholar

By: Professor Frank E. Peters
Narrated by: Frank E. Peters
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About this listen

 Located in the heart of Israel, Jerusalem is the center for the spiritual world's three largest religions. Throughout its millennia-old history, Jerusalem has been known by many names: Salem, Zion, Hierosolymae, Al-Quds and others, and no city has ever been in more dispute.

In scripture, the city's history began nearly 4,000 years ago, when Abraham met Melchizedek, King of Salem. Its significance as a "holy land" is evident by the number of religions that call it their spiritual home. Jews, Christians, and Muslims have struggled for its possession. In the 26 times a new group took over leadership of the city, the "City of Peace" has seen very little of its namesake, even through modern times, and 35 times it was at least partially destroyed.

In light of the volatile nature of the Middle East, and today's ongoing conflicts, it is important that we understand why Jews, Christians, and Muslims all lay claim to Jerusalem. Through an in-depth study of the various holy sites in Jerusalem, you'll begin to see which are considered sacred and to whom. And through an investigation of Mark Twain's The Innocents Abroad, you will see the many different perspectives of pilgrims in days of long ago, and even today.

©2003 F.E. Peters (P)2003 Recorded Books Ancient Israel & Palestine Middle East World Royalty
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This is a truly fascinating series of lectures which has provided a clear narrative to dispel the confusion as to the timeline and sequence of events involving Jerusalem. I was riveted throughout and the kindly voice of Professor Peters was just perfect. I can really recommend this title without hesitation. Thank you Professor Petters.

Fascinating and informative.

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This is an exemplary lecture series presented by Prof Peters. He is probably my favourite lecturer of the Modern Scholar series and this is probably my favourite of his works so far. Before listening to this I would say I only had a modest amount of knowledge about the history of Jerusalem and the extent of its significance to Muslim, Christians, Jews and its relationship to the Greeks, Romans, North Africans, Ottomans and the Crusades. After listening to this I would consider myself well informed on all these issues and a lot more!
One of the reasons I enjoyed listening to this so much is that Prof. Peters narrates his the lectures in a way that allows you to follow the subject with ease. Again, I was always reluctant to press pause and would probably have listened in one sitting had work not gotten in the way- the whole subject is so very interesting and presented very well! I would recommend this to anyone browsing and will probably be listening to this more than once!

Probably my best listen to date!

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