“Jerusalem: City of Change” Forum
On November 16, 2022, in collaboration with the Department of Religion and the Program in Archaeology, the Elie Wiesel Center for Jewish Studies co-sponsored a groundbreaking forum titled “Jerusalem: City of Change.” This event brought together six experts from Israel and the U.S. to explore Jerusalem’s history across time and disciplines. The conference highlighted Jerusalem’s transformation from a colonial capital in the early first millennium BCE to a vibrant commercial center in the early first millennium CE. These esteemed scholars unveiled fresh evidence and novel insights into Jerusalem’s distinct character and defining moments throughout its history.
Professor Andrea Berlin, the James R. Wiseman Chair in Classical Archaeology and Professor of Archaeology and Religion conceived and organized “Jerusalem: City of Change.” As the moderator, Professor Berlin skillfully facilitated the panel discussion, weaving together the perspectives and voices of the participating scholars and archaeologists.
The forum commenced with Professor Yuval Gadot’s captivating lecture titled “The Colonial City: Jerusalem in the First Temple Period”. Professor Gadot is head of the Alkow Department of Archaeology and Ancient Near Eastern Cultures at Tel-Aviv University. His talk focused on the appropriation and resistance trends within Jerusalem’s elite during the Assyrian takeover of the 7th and 8th centuries BCE. Integrating new findings from the city and its surroundings with a critical reading of Biblical texts, Professor Gadot illustrated the contradictory response of Jerusalem’s elite to the Assyrian empire. He highlighted how kings who cooperated with the Assyrians were often condemned as “evil” and received no credit for architectural innovation. Nevertheless, their maneuvering allowed them to encourage the empire’s construction efforts in Jerusalem.
Dr. Yiftah Shalev, a senior research archaeologist at the Israel Antiquities Authority and a teaching fellow at Tel Aviv University, presented a thought-provoking talk on “The Ruined City: Jerusalem Under Achaemenid Persian Rule.” He highlighted the disparity between biblical descriptions of Persian-era Jerusalem and the limited archaeological remains. Dr. Shalev presented compelling evidence of people returning to live within usable sections of original houses after the city’s destruction. He also highlighted the growth of the economy into the early Hellenistic period, offering new insights into Jerusalem’s location, size, and nature during this period and its implications for our understanding of the city.
Tehillah Lieberman, a Ph.D. candidate at Bar Ilan University and an experienced collaborator with the Israel Antiquities Authority, provided an enlightening perspective on “The Reclaimed City: Jerusalem Under Hasmonean Rule.” She highlighted the significant role played by Hasmonean king Alexander Jannaeus in shaping Jerusalem as the central city within Judea. Lieberman explored how water distribution structures and residential buildings reflected a bustling economy and investment in the city’s livability and religious significance.
Dr. Yana Tchekhanovets, an archaeologist and senior lecturer at Ben Gurion University of the Negev, captivated the audience with her presentation, “The Pilgrim City: Byzantine Jerusalem.” Dr. Tchekhanovets discussed how Jerusalem became a global religious center during the Byzantine era, attracting pilgrims from around the Christian world. She highlighted the archaeological evidence of monasteries, hostels, and souvenirs that indicated people brought their beliefs to Jerusalem and took images of the holy city back with them. Dr. Tchekhanovets’ presentation provided valuable insights into the cultural and religious significance of Byzantine Jerusalem.
Bethany Walker, professor of Islamic Archaeology at the University of Bonn and co-director of the Khirbet Beit Loya excavations, shared her expertise in a compelling talk titled “The Commercial City: Mamluk Jerusalem.” She focused on Mamluk Amir Tankiz al-Nasiri, the Governor of Syria, and emphasized his investments in Jerusalem’s commercial buildings, urban infrastructure, markets, water systems, and the opening of new farmland. Walker demonstrated how these initiatives resulted in significant returns for the city in subsequent years, contributing to its economic prosperity.
In addition to archaeological perspectives, the forum also explored contemporary aspects of Jerusalem. Tamara Lotner-Lev discussed the legal framework managing Jerusalem and drew lessons from environmental law on reconciling opposing interests, such as conservation and development. Lotner-Lev specifically highlighted the creation of the Jerusalem Wall National Park and emphasized the importance of involving diverse stakeholders in the park’s management for optimal protection of the area.
We extend our deepest gratitude to all the participants, sponsors, and supporters who made this remarkable forum possible.