Medieval Jerusalem

Medieval Jerusalem challenges the notion that the city was merely a revered religious site, suggesting instead it may have served as an administrative center of the early Islamic world. The study examines Muslim historiography and religious lore alongside Jewish traditions to demonstrate how Islam positioned itself as the dominant monotheistic religion, superseding Judaism and Christianity. By analyzing literary sources and archaeological discoveries, such as those along the south wall of the Temple Mount, Lassner applies a rigorous method akin to legal interrogation to interpret both historical texts and material culture. This work corrects popular narratives about Jerusalem's past, offering new insights into its political and religious significance during the medieval period.

Lassner, J. (2017). Medieval Jerusalem. https://doi.org/10.3998/mpub.9394056