Jerusalem is arguably the world's most revered city. It's the city of King David (1,000 B.C.), the place of Christ's last ministry and crucifixion, and the site where the prophet Mohammad is believed to have ascended to heaven. Over a turbulent 3,000-year history, Jerusalem has seen more than its share of sieges, while Jews, Christians, and Muslims have all tried their hand at ruling the city.
Situated along an edge of the West Bank in east-central Israel, Jerusalem is the nation's capital and largest city, with a population of around 560,000. It is comprised of the history-drenched Old City, and modern urban neighborhoods that have grown up outside the Old City's walls since the late 19th century.
In the 20th century, Jerusalem was divided between Jordan, which held the Old City, and Israel, which made the New City its capital. Then, during a brief war in 1967, Israel captured and annexed the Old City as well, an action which is disputed to this day.
Modern Jerusalem is a center of government, culture and tourism. Naturally, the Old City is of most interest to visitors, given sacred landmarks like the Curch of the Holy Sepulcher, the Dome of the Rock, and the Wailing Wall. Numerous museums and other historic sites lend further appeal to one of the world's holiest cities.
