The History of Jerusalem

The 4,000-year history of the city of Jerusalem unfolds in an exceptional graphic narrative that touches on the birth of Islam, Christianity, and Judaism, as well as famous conquerors and mighty empires, and more.

Four thousand years ago, Jerusalem was a small, isolated village perched on a ridge line between the Mediterranean and the desert. Today it is a bustling metropolis with almost one million inhabitants, attracting visitors from all over the world.

The story of Jerusalem is in many ways the story of the development of Western civilisation—religions were born on its streets, famous conquerors laid siege to it, and great empires clashed over it. Considered the cradle of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—the three major monotheistic religions—it serves as a spiritual capital for more than half of humanity. Tracing its history gives us a unique perspective into the histories of these different religious identities.

In this 256-page graphic novel, written by renowned historian Vincent Lemire and illustrated by cartoonist and animator Christophe Gaultier, readers will meet Abraham, King Herod, Empress Helena (the mother of Constantine I), Queen Melisende of Jerusalem, Saladin, Sulayman ibn Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan, General Edmund Allenby, Palestinian nationalist Abd al-Qadir al-Husayni, former Mayor Teddy Kollek, and many other famous people who have helped build the story of Jerusalem.

But it takes many hands to make a city, and the history of the city is the history of the residents who lead lives both great and small within its walls. As Lemire and Gaultier guide us through the lives of Jerusalem’s most famous residents, so too do they introduce us to the people, priests, craftsmen, architects, and residents who have built the history of Jerusalem over the last five millennia.