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Jerusalem

A Journey Through Time

Aren Maeir

Jerusalem is a city with a deep significance to many peoples all over the world and is considered one of the most important cities for Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Throughout the ages, and until today, Jerusalem has been the focus of major historical events, a location for religious pilgrimage, and a focus on much religious, political, national and ideological focus. Already in biblical times, and continuing until this very day, what happened and happens in Jerusalem is a focus of interest worldwide. In this course, we will learn about the history and archaeology of ancient Jerusalem, from its earliest beginnings in the late Prehistoric Periods (ca. 5th millennium BCE) and until the Muslim conquest of the city in the 7th century CE. We will cover the main finds and periods during this long time span, including the periods relating to the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament, the Christian Bible/New Testament, and periods including the Bronze Ages, the Iron Age (1st Temple Period), the Persian, Hellenistic and Early Roman Periods (2nd Temple Period), and the Late Roman and Byzantine Periods. We will discuss the geography, history and archaeology of the city, and its place in the broader geopolitical and religious contexts, visit major archaeological sites situated in the city and its surroundings, and meet and talk with leading researchers in the field of history and archaeology. Studying the history and archaeology of ancient Jerusalem not only will enlighten us about the city itself but serve as an excellent basis to learn about the methods of history and archaeology, and the history and archaeology of the Land of Israel/Southern Levant in the periods that we will survey. As Jerusalem is such a magnet of interest for so many people throughout the world, of various cultures, religions, backgrounds, and beliefs, we believe that the course will be of deep interest, and relevance, for many. The course is conducted online, and the student can determine the pace of study within the given time that the course will be open. The course is equivalent to a one semester course, with 8 lessons with about 2 hours of work per lesson.

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What's inside

Learning objective

You will learn about the history and archaeology of ancient jerusalem/ learn about the methods used in history and archaeology/ learn about the place of jerusalem during the various periods /visit important archaeological sites in jerusalem/ hear discussions with leading scholars studying ancient jerusalem/ learn about the history and archaeology of the ancient land of israel/southern levant

Syllabus

Jerusalem is a city with a deep significance to many peoples all over the world and is considered one of the most important cities for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Throughout the ages, and until today, Jerusalem has been the focus of major historical events, a location for religious pilgrimage, and a focus on much religious, political, national, and ideological focus. Already in biblical times, and continuing until this very day, what happened and happens in Jerusalem is a focus of interest worldwide.

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Explores Jerusalem's history from its earliest beginnings to the Muslim conquest, offering a comprehensive overview of its historical and archaeological significance

Examines the place of Jerusalem in its broader geopolitical and religious contexts, providing a deeper understanding of its historical importance

Includes discussions with leading scholars studying ancient Jerusalem, offering insights from experts in the field

Discusses the methods used in history and archaeology, providing a foundation for further study in these fields

Requires students to watch videos, answer quizzes, and read texts, which may require a significant time investment

Covers periods relating to the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament and the Christian Bible/New Testament, which may not appeal to all learners

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Reviews summary

Journey through ancient jerusalem's history

According to learners, this course offers a fascinating and highly engaging journey through the history and archaeology of ancient Jerusalem. Students particularly praise the superb and passionate instructors who make complex history accessible and appreciated the immersive virtual site visits. While a few older reviews found the content too basic for those with prior knowledge and noted minor video quality issues, more recent feedback is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the course as an excellent and accessible introduction ideal for beginners. The course structure and quizzes are found helpful for reinforcing learning.

Suitable for beginners, less for advanced learners.

"I found it too basic if you already have prior knowledge."

"I expected more academic rigor, which was disappointing."

"It's an excellent overview and perfect if you're just starting to learn about this history."

"It provides a deep dive into history and archaeology without being overwhelming, which suited my needs as a general learner."

Overall well-structured, mostly good pace.

"The historical timeline is well-structured."

"I felt the content was interesting but a bit rushed in later lessons."

"The quizzes really helped reinforce what I was learning."

"Overall, the pace and structure of the lessons felt just right for the amount of material."

Virtual tours of archaeological sites are a highlight.

"The lecturers are superb, especially the on-site segments."

"Visiting the sites virtually was a highlight."

"The site visits via video were immersive and really brought the history to life."

"It was great visiting important archaeological sites in Jerusalem virtually throughout the course."

Great for beginners with no prior knowledge.

"Brilliant! Deep dive into history and archaeology without being overwhelming."

"Excellent overview. Great for beginners."

"The professors were brilliant and made complex history accessible, even for a novice like me."

"This course requires no prior knowledge, which was perfect for starting out."

Teachers are highly knowledgeable and passionate.

"The lecturers are superb, especially the on-site segments."

"Outstanding course! The professors are brilliant and make complex history accessible."

"Loved this course! The instructors' passion is infectious."

"I found the experts teaching this course to be top-notch and very knowledgeable."

Some minor technical issues reported by a few.

"I noticed some video quality issues here and there..."

"...though for me some audio wasn't perfect."

"There were occasional technical glitches with the video playback."

One review raised concerns about historical bias.

"This course presents a very biased view of history. It focuses too much on one perspective..."

"I appreciated that the course seemed designed to be of interest and relevance for many people of various cultures and backgrounds."

"While one reviewer found it biased, I felt the perspective presented was balanced given the historical focus from an archaeological viewpoint."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Jerusalem: A Journey Through Time with these activities:

Review Biblical History

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Strengthen your understanding of the historical context of the Hebrew and Christian Bibles, which are essential for understanding Jerusalem's significance.

Browse courses on Hebrew Bible

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Review key figures and events from the Old Testament.
Review key figures and events from the New Testament.
Summarize the major periods of biblical history.

Read 'The Illustrated Atlas of Jerusalem'

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Gain a visual understanding of Jerusalem's geography and historical sites to enhance your learning experience.

View Melania on Amazon

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Explore the atlas and identify key locations mentioned in the course.
Study the maps and diagrams to understand the city's layout during different periods.
Take notes on the historical significance of each site.

Compile a Timeline of Jerusalem's History

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Organize the key events and periods discussed in the course into a chronological timeline to improve your understanding of Jerusalem's history.

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Gather information from course materials and external resources.
Organize the events chronologically, including dates and brief descriptions.
Include major periods, rulers, and significant events.
Review and refine the timeline as you progress through the course.

Three other activities

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Show all six activities

Read 'Unearthing Jerusalem: 150 Years of Archaeological Research in the Holy City'

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Deepen your understanding of archaeological methods and discoveries related to Jerusalem.

View Roman and Late Antique Wine Production in the... on Amazon

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Select chapters that align with the course's syllabus.
Summarize the key archaeological findings discussed in each chapter.
Relate the findings to the historical periods covered in the course.

Create a Virtual Tour of Ancient Jerusalem

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Solidify your knowledge by creating a virtual tour showcasing key archaeological sites and historical periods of ancient Jerusalem.

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Research and select key sites to include in the tour.
Gather images, videos, and historical information for each site.
Create a script or narration for the tour.
Use online tools to create an interactive virtual tour.
Share the tour with peers and solicit feedback.

Research and Present on a Specific Archaeological Find

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Deepen your understanding of a specific aspect of Jerusalem's archaeology by conducting in-depth research and presenting your findings.

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Choose a specific archaeological find or site in Jerusalem.
Research the history, significance, and archaeological context of the find.
Prepare a presentation summarizing your research.
Present your findings to peers or in an online forum.

Career center

Learners who complete Jerusalem: A Journey Through Time will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Archaeologist

An archaeologist studies past peoples and cultures by excavating and analyzing material remains, artifacts, and structures. This course exploring the history and archaeology of Jerusalem directly supports the skill set for an archaeologist. The course delves into the methods used in archaeology in the Land of Israel, as well as visits to important archaeological sites. A professional archaeologist will learn about key periods in Jerusalem's history, and how these relate to the wider region of the Southern Levant, making this course an excellent complement to their training, with a very specific focus on archaeological sites in Jerusalem and the region.

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Museum curator

A museum curator manages collections of artifacts and historical objects, often specializing in a particular area like ancient history. This course on the history and archaeology of Jerusalem would be highly relevant for a curator specializing in the ancient Near East or biblical history, providing in-depth knowledge of the city's history from its earliest beginnings to the Muslim conquest. The course's focus on key historical periods such as the Bronze Ages, the Iron Age, and the Roman Period as well as the study of the geography, archaeology, and geopolitical context of Jerusalem, gives a strong foundation for this role. The course also mentions visits to sites and museums, which will only enrich an aspiring curator.

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Cultural Heritage Manager

A cultural heritage manager oversees the preservation, conservation, and management of cultural sites and artifacts. This course helps develop a deep understanding of the history and archaeology of Jerusalem, an important heritage site, and this knowledge will greatly benefit a cultural heritage manager. The course's coverage of various historical periods, the methods of history and archaeology, and the geopolitical contexts of Jerusalem, gives one more context for managing heritage. This course also covers visits to archaeological sites, allowing one to build experiential knowledge.

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History Professor

A history professor researches and teaches history at the university level. This course on ancient Jerusalem provides a focused study of a key historical city. The course covers major periods such as the Bronze Ages, the Iron Age, and the Roman period, providing a strong basis for research and teaching on these topics and periods. Moreover, the course delves into the interactions of history and archaeology, providing a unique perspective on history. A history professor can use this knowledge to enhance lectures, research, and publications, particularly if they focus on the ancient Near East or biblical studies.

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Research Fellow

A research fellow conducts research on a specific topic for a higher education institution or a research body, typically requiring a master's or doctoral degree. This course on the history and archaeology of ancient Jerusalem provides an excellent starting point for a research fellow whose focus is the ancient Near East. The course extensively reviews Jerusalem's history, from the 5th millennium BCE to the 7th century CE, covering key periods such as the Bronze Ages, the Iron Age, and the Second Temple Period, which is useful context. The course also covers research methodology and the work of leading scholars.

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Religious Studies Scholar

A religious studies scholar researches and analyzes religious texts, practices, and histories. This course on Jerusalem, a city of great importance to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, is helpful for a scholar studying the history and archaeology of these three religions. The course's examination of key periods such as the Iron Age, Second Temple Period, and Late Roman era provides vital context for religious studies. The course will also be useful for understanding the modern implications of the region.

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Tour Guide

A tour guide leads groups of people on sightseeing tours, providing information about landmarks, history, and culture. For a tour guide specializing in Jerusalem, this course offers essential content about the city's history and archaeology from its founding to the Muslim conquest. The course covers the major periods, important sites, and the geopolitical context and relevance of Jerusalem. The course would allow a tour guide to present more in-depth and historically accurate information to their clients, especially given the discussions with leading scholars.

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Historical Consultant

A historical consultant advises on historical matters for various projects, such as films or documentaries, books, or museum exhibits. This course, providing a study into the history of Jerusalem, is a good way to build the expertise necessary for this role. The curriculum on the city's history from its earliest beginnings to the Muslim conquest of the 7th century CE, discussing the place of Jerusalem in the broader geopolitical and religious contexts as well as its deep history, gives one expertise appropriate to the role. Specifically, if a project requires knowledge of ancient Jerusalem and its place in the Southern Levant, this course will be very valuable.

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Archival Researcher

An archival researcher works with historical documents, records, and other materials to gather information and conduct research. This course on Jerusalem helps develop a deeper understanding of the city's history, which is useful for anyone who works with archives relating to the city. The course's focus on archaeology and the historical periods of Jerusalem, provides a backdrop to the kinds of records they might encounter. The course also introduces one to the methods of history and archaeology, which are helpful for archival research.

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Writer

A writer crafts written content for various purposes, including books, articles, or reports. This course on Jerusalem provides an in-depth study of the city from its beginnings, which a writer can leverage to create informative content. The course covers the history, archaeology, and religious and geopolitical significance of the city. A writer may find the course helpful as it provides specific information about the history of the city, as well as the Land of Israel/Southern Levant.

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Geographic Information Specialist

A geographic information specialist analyzes spatial data to create maps, databases, and reports. This course examines the geography of Jerusalem and its relationship to the archaeology of the region. The detailed study of the city and its surroundings, and the discussion of its geopolitical context within the wider Land of Israel, may prove helpful for a geographic information specialist. The course also covers a variety of historical periods, which provides more context.

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Editor

An editor reviews and prepares written material for publication. If an editor works with content about history or religious studies, this course on the history and archaeology of Jerusalem provides a background on Jerusalem and the surrounding regions. The course reviews the history of Jerusalem from its beginnings to the Muslim conquest of the city in the 7th century CE. The course may help an editor to work with materials covering this period, as it focuses on a culturally significant city.

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Journalist

A journalist researches and reports on current events and issues. This course about the history of Jerusalem will not directly relate to day-to-day journalism work, but a journalist may find the deep background useful for their work. The course provides a historical and archaeological background to the modern city, and discusses the political and religious impact of the city, which may be useful for a journalist covering current affairs in this region. The course provides a broad overview of the region.

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Librarian

A librarian manages library resources and helps users locate information. While this course does not directly relate to the daily work of a librarian, the course's content on the history and archaeology of Jerusalem and the Southern Levant may be helpful to those working in academic or specialized libraries. The course's study of Jerusalem from its earliest beginnings to the Muslim conquest of the city in the 7th century CE, provides some relevant information. The course also provides an introduction to methods of history and archaeology, which may be useful.

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Translator

A translator converts written material from one language to another. This course, which provides a background on the history and archaeology of Jerusalem and the ancient Southern Levant, may be helpful for a translator who may encounter such content. The course covers major historical periods and discusses the city's geographical and political context. In particular, if the content to be translated concerns ancient Jerusalem, this course may be useful.

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Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Jerusalem: A Journey Through Time.

Roman and Late Antique Wine Production in the...

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Provides a comprehensive overview of the archaeological research conducted in Jerusalem over the past 150 years. It valuable resource for understanding the methods and findings of archaeological excavations in the city. The book is particularly useful for gaining a deeper understanding of the evidence used to reconstruct Jerusalem's history. It serves as additional reading to supplement the course materials.

Roman and Late Antique Wine Production in the...

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Roman and Late Antique Wine Production in the...

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Effort

2 to 4 hours per week for 16 weeks

Level

Introductory

Via

edX

Institution

IsraelX

Instructor

Aren Maeir

Language

English

Transcript

English

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Explores Jerusalem's history from its earliest beginnings to the Muslim conquest, offering a comprehensive overview of its historical and archaeological significance

Examines the place of Jerusalem in its broader geopolitical and religious contexts, providing a deeper understanding of its historical importance

Includes discussions with leading scholars studying ancient Jerusalem, offering insights from experts in the field

Discusses the methods used in history and archaeology, providing a foundation for further study in these fields

Requires students to watch videos, answer quizzes, and read texts, which may require a significant time investment

Covers periods relating to the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament and the Christian Bible/New Testament, which may not appeal to all learners

Jerusalem

A Journey Through Time

What's inside

Learning objective

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

Journey through ancient jerusalem's history

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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