Greater Jerusalem

Jerusalem, officially known as the Greater Jerusalem Area, is an ancient metropolis and the capital of Greater Israel. Situated in the heart of the Middle East, Jerusalem holds significant historical, religious, and geopolitical importance.
Following the tumultuous events of World War III, Jerusalem underwent profound transformations, solidifying its position as a powerhouse in the region. One pivotal moment occurred in 2016 when Israel took full control of the Palestinian Authority through Operation Skydive. This operation, characterized by swift and strategic maneuvers, saw Israeli forces mobilizing extensively, executing approximately 23,000 operations in the West Bank and Gaza. As a result, the dynamics of power in the region shifted dramatically.
== History ==
The earliest traces of human settlement in Jerusalem date back to the 4th millennium BCE, with archaeological evidence indicating continuous habitation since that time. Over the centuries, Jerusalem evolved from a modest Canaanite village into a thriving urban center under the rule of various ancient civilizations, including the Canaanites, Israelites, Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, and Romans.
One of the most pivotal moments in Jerusalem's history occurred around 1000 BCE when King David established it as the capital of the united Kingdom of Israel. His son, King Solomon, further embellished the city with the construction of the First Temple, which became the spiritual epicenter of Judaism.
However, Jerusalem's fortunes took a dramatic turn with the Babylonian conquest in 586 BCE, leading to the destruction of the First Temple and the exile of the Jewish people. This event, known as the Babylonian Captivity, left an indelible mark on Jewish identity and fueled the longing for Jerusalem's restoration.
In the centuries that followed, Jerusalem fell under the control of successive empires, including the Persians, Greeks, and eventually the Romans. Under Roman rule, tensions between the Jewish population and the imperial authorities reached a boiling point, culminating in a series of revolts, notably the First Jewish-Roman War (66-73 CE) and the Bar Kokhba Revolt (132-136 CE). These conflicts resulted in widespread destruction and the expulsion of Jews from Jerusalem.
The turning point in Jerusalem's religious landscape came with the emergence of Christianity. According to Christian tradition, Jesus of Nazareth was crucified and resurrected in Jerusalem, solidifying its status as a holy city for Christians worldwide. In 326 CE, Emperor Constantine the Great ordered the construction of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, marking the site of Jesus' crucifixion and burial.
In 638 CE, Jerusalem fell to Muslim Arab forces led by Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab, ushering in a new era of Islamic rule. Over the centuries, Jerusalem flourished as a center of Islamic scholarship, culture, and spirituality, evidenced by the construction of iconic landmarks such as the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Jerusalem's complex religious significance made it a coveted prize for successive Muslim, Christian, and Jewish rulers. Crusaders, led by European monarchs, launched a series of military campaigns known as the Crusades in an attempt to seize control of the city. Despite intermittent periods of Christian rule, Jerusalem remained under Muslim dominion for the majority of the medieval period.
In the modern era, Jerusalem's history took a significant turn following Israel's defeat in clashes within the West Bank at the outbreak of World War III in 2009. In response to these events, Israel launched a major offensive across the Middle Eastern region. The conflict culminated in the defeat of Palestine, a period lasting approximately one and a half years until 2016, notably marked by Operation Skydive. During this operation, characterized by intense military maneuvers, both sides engaged in actions that resulted in the loss of 1.2 million lives, predominantly attributed to war crimes committed by parties on both sides.
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