Directed by: Yukihiro Toda
Overview
First of a two-part documentary that traces the history of the most troubled and the most revered city in the world. This segment covers the history of Jerusalem from Abraham to the Roman conquest. Jerusalem means "city of peace," but Jerusalem has never known peace. Four gates represent the spiritual gateways of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, and each plays a vital role in Jerusalem's past, present, and perhaps future. The Dung Gate, which dates back to King David, is the only remaining part of Herod's Temple Complex and the closest entry to the sacred Western Wall. For over 2000 years, this has been the holiest site on earth for all Jews. The Damascus Gate, busiest and most ornate, leads directly to the Muslim quarter. Muslims make up one third of the Old City's population. They ruled Jerusalem for nearly 1000 years. The New Gate is easily overlooked. It is the closest to the Armenian quarter, the first Christian sector of the Old City, and symbolizes the Christian teachings of Jesus. The Lion's Gate is known by many as St. Stephen's Gate, after the first martyr of the Christian church. Millions believe that Jesus Christ passed through it on his final journey to Jerusalem