I found this a thoroughly engrossing read I couldn't put down.

NetGalley, Shelly Myers

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Jerusalem: cradle of three most influential world religions, a place that has no equivalent in catalytic power of religions, beliefs, lifestyles, history, and politics.
Interestingly, all 3 religions are claiming the "City" and sacral parts of it and the book makes a successful attempt to bring up the history of each religion, its references and importance of certain parts of the city, and their connections with the development of religions and separate influential individuals. It is a cumulative history of the city, the idea, legend, and influence on people's lives.
Definitely a great read for anyone interested in esoteric history, the history of religion, cultures, history of the middle ages.

NetGalley, AREVIK HEBOYAN

Alan Potter succinctly relates the evolution of Jerusalem from its earliest occupation as a remote and safe hill-top settlement into the world’s single most important religious city. All those wishing to grasp the stages of this important development will benefit from this lucid and careful narrative, one based on the primary sources and relevant modern literature and backed up with clear plans and maps.

Professor Michael Whitby, Classical Historian, University of Birmingham

A very informative study of the history of Jerusalem. It is clear that the book is well researched.

NetGalley, Jill Pecq

No other city compares with ancient, historic, exotic, fascinating and mysterious Jerusalem and her Temple on the Mount, repeatedly attacked, destroyed and rebuilt. Jerusalem survived plagues and severe droughts, good kings and bad, and is much venerated to this day.

In about 1,000 BC, King David secured Jerusalem with a likely population of about 2,000. Migrants had began moving inland from the coast and a mix of cultures and traditions necessitated a ruler. King David planned the unparalleled temple but it was built under his son, Solomon. Jerusalem was strategically situated with solid steep protection on three sides and near the Gihon Spring and became the Jewish capital.

This book highlights the history of Jerusalem in great detail and thoroughness. We learn about Israel and Judah and Assyrian threat and how Hezekiah returned Jerusalem to Jewish tradition and destroyed pagan idols and sites. One of the most crucial construction undertakings was tunneling through rock from Gihon Spring to Siloam Pool and enclosed the area with another wall.

We learn details about Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonians' massive destruction and Nehemiah's rebuilding. Then came the Ptolemies, Seleucids, Romans, Herod the Great and emperors and the looting of 70 AD and later the Muslims.

Whew! So much detail. The maps and illustrations really help. At times the details become difficult to focus on but simultaneously very interesting.

Those interested in the history of Jerusalem and Israel will appreciate this.
I surely did.

NetGalley, Brenda Carleton