3/3/11

This lecture began with a continuation of the crusades lecture. We then discussed how Abbasid caliph Al-Ma-mun takes credit for building the Dome of the Rock in the 9th century, but forgets to erase the date of the construction, 72nd year of Moslem era. I found that hilarious. His lack of thought evidenced by this forgetfulness explains why he had to steal credit in the first place- he did not have the creativity to create something of his own.

We also talked about post-crusades Jerusalem- Ayyubid Jerusalem 1187-1250. Jerusalem surrenders to Saladin on Sept 26, 1187. The Legend of Saladin grows out of the contrast between saladin and the crusaders. Saladin knew he had won the city so he let everyone else go if they wanted to compared to many other people who just slaughtered the city. He allowed for other holy sites and religions since they were there first but said it was a Muslim city. Ayybids and Crusaders struggled over Jerusalem.

Important fact: The Western wall is not the one wall left from the temple. It is the western wall of the retaining structure upon which the temple was built.

Next week we are going to get into modern Jerusalem and on Thursday will review and ask the professor any questions we might have :).