"Pilgrims and Conquerors," part two of a three-part series, tells the story of the city of Jerusalem from the birth of Christianity to the nineteenth century. It highlights significant sites for the history of Christianity, describes the crusaders' bloody battles for control of the holy city, and concludes with an account of the city under the Ottoman empire.

The documentary provides a walking tour of many of Jerusalem's most sacred and most well-known historic sites. It is recommended for high school students.

Vocabulary

• traverse
• tenacious
• apostles
• crucifixion
• crusaders
• pagans
• relics
• hermit
• infidel
• messiah
• Armenian

Discussion Questions

1. Why does the narrator say that there were always "two Jerusalems," the physical and the spiritual?
2. How did the Romans show their contempt for the Jews?
3. Describe the political and religious life of Jerusalem under Roman rule.
4. Why is the western wall of the Temple called the "wailing wall?"
5. What evidence do archeologists have of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ? Do you find the scientific evidence compelling?
6. What was the significance of Emperor Constantine's conversion to Christianity? Why was his mother, Helena, searching for evidence of Jesus' life? How did her search transform both Christianity and the city of Jerusalem?
7. What do Muslims believe about the Temple Mount? How do their beliefs differ from those of the Jews?
8. Describe Jerusalem under Islamic rule. How do historians know about Muslim governments and rulers?
9. In what ways did the Ottoman rulers change the city?
10. Why was Mark Twain, like many other nineteenth century travelers, disappointed by Jerusalem?

Research Projects

1. Write a short story about the crusades from the perspective of a crusader, or a Muslim administrator in Jerusalem, or a Jewish resident of the city. Try to demonstrate how this character's religious views might explain his or her actions in attacking or defending the city.
2. Write an essay in which you trace the history of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. How are the histories of each of these religions connected? Where do they differ? Which prophets do they share?
3. Make a time line that charts the birth and expansion of Christianity. Be sure to include significant moments, such as Constantine's conversion to Christianity.