Episode 8: The True Cross

In the final episode of the Jerusalem Podcast, Dr. Timothy Dalrymple discusses Jerusalem in the context of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. He talks about the biblical significance of the ancient city, and how landmarks and artifacts help to retell the story of Christ for believers today. He concludes by reminding listeners that the Old City serves as a beacon of hope for the world to come for Christians.

In this episode, Dr. Timothy Dalrymple covers the history of the Crusades, a series of religious wars supported by the Church that set out to reconquer the Holy Land. He also provides background on several important players in this clash, and discusses the yearning and sense of purpose that ultimately led these Crusaders to risk their lives in pursuit of Jerusalem.

In this episode, Dr. Timothy Dalrymple explores Islam's ties to the city of Jerusalem. He discusses how a city with such strong Jewish and Christian ties became the third holiest site in Islam, and how Muslim influence persists in the city today. He also touches on the deep significance that the Dome of the Rock holds for Muslims throughout the world.

In this episode, Dr. Timothy Dalrymple recounts the story of Helena, one of the most influential figures in establishing Christian holy sites throughout Jerusalem. He also takes listeners on an audio tour of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, a site commissioned by her son Constantine the Great during his rule as Roman Emperor.

In this episode, Dr. Timothy Dalrymple dives into the once strong alliance between the Houses of Herod and Caesar, and how both Houses navigated the swirling and intertwined chaos of politics and religion in Rome and Jerusalem. He also discusses the breakdown of this alliance, which led to visible scars on Jerusalem until today. He is joined by Jon Seligman of the Israel Antiquities Authority and archeologist Rafi Lewis of both the University of Haifa and Ashkelon Academic College.

In this episode, producer Dale Goldberg explores the story of the Maccabees, a group of Jewish freedom fighters who restored the holiness of Jerusalem and helped Jews regain their identity. He is joined by Professor Danny Schwartz, of the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, who is a scholar of Jewish History.

In this episode, Dr. Timothy Dalrymple looks at the history of the Jewish people's suffering on the Ninth of Av – that is, the ninth day of the Hebrew calendar month – and how it has shaped the city of Jerusalem. The date commemorates many catastrophes that the Jewish people have faced throughout history, namely the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem. 

In this episode, Dr. Timothy Dalrymple discusses the heart of Jerusalem: the Foundation Stone. Believed to be the location where creation began, the stone remains one of the most sacred places for Jews and Muslims alike.