From ‘King Heraclius, Faithful in Christ’ to ‘Allenby of Armageddon’: Christian Reconquistadores Enter the Holy City

A century after General Edmund Allenby's British forces entered Jerusalem, marking the end of 400 years of Ottoman rule, a ceremonial reenactment on December 11, 2017, highlighted the city's enduring significance as both a religious and geopolitical landmark. The event, attended by dignitaries including Mayor Nir Barkat and Allenby's great-grandnephew, underscored Jerusalem's layered history, from biblical conquerors like King David to modern conflicts. The study examines how such ceremonies reflect the city's mythological and historical narratives, blending martial declarations with cultural symbolism. It also notes the timing of U.S. recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital, adding a contemporary dimension to this long-standing site.

Greisiger, L. (2022). From ‘King Heraclius, Faithful in Christ’ to ‘Allenby of Armageddon’: Christian Reconquistadores Enter the Holy City. City of Caesar, City of God, 295–322. https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110718447-013