The Fall and Rise of Jerusalem

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/jerusalem

Introduction

**Course Review: The Fall and Rise of Jerusalem** If you are intrigued by history, particularly the events that shaped the ancient world, Coursera's course "The Fall and Rise of Jerusalem" is a profound journey into one of the most significant periods in Jewish history. This course focuses on the catastrophic destruction of the First Temple in Jerusalem and the subsequent Babylonian Exile—events that profoundly altered the course of Jewish history and identity. ### Overview The course aims to answer the critical questions surrounding these dark times: What led to the fall of Jerusalem? What actually transpired during this pivotal historical moment, and how did recovery and opportunities emerge from such devastation? The format combines rich historical content with engaging multimedia presentations, making it perfect for both novices and those well-versed in Jewish history. ### Syllabus Breakdown 1. **Introduction to Geopolitics and Geography of the Ancient Near East:** This module lays the groundwork, providing essential context about the geopolitical dynamics during the rise of the Assyrian and Neo-Babylonian empires. It is a great starting point for learners new to the subject, setting up a comprehensive understanding of the time's socio-political landscape. 2. **Judah Under Babylonian Rule:** Here, the course dives deeper into the complexities of Judah's society and governance under Babylonian rule. You will explore the consequences of Jehoiakim’s revolt, gaining insights into the shifting policies of Babylon towards Judah—a critical transition phase that paved the way for future events. 3. **The Days of the Destruction of Jerusalem:** This module narrates the tumultuous events leading to the eventual destruction of Jerusalem. Through detailed accounts of Zedekiah’s rebellion and external interventions, learners are introduced to the immediate causes and consequences of this devastation. It is an emotionally charged storyline that emphasizes both the human and political elements involved. 4. **Gedaliah son of Ahikam:** Transitioning from destruction to governance, this segment focuses on Gedaliah's role and the shift of the capital from Jerusalem to Mizpah. The discussion forums are particularly useful here, as students are encouraged to engage with thoughts and questions, fostering a community of learners sharing insights about the material. 5. **Archaeology of the Sixth Century BCE:** The archaeological finds from this period offer tangible connections to the historical narrative. This module blends history with archaeology expertly, showing how excavations such as those at Ramat Rahel can illuminate our understanding of continuity in Jerusalem and Judah after the calamity. 6. **The Restoration of Jerusalem in the Early Persian Period:** Concluding the course, this module focuses on the transformational period of the Persian Era. It examines how Jerusalem began to heal and rebuild, discussing diasporas and shifts in its religious and cultural identity, offering a narrative of hope and restoration following the despair. ### Recommendations **Who Should Take This Course?** Whether you're a history buff, a student of theology, or just someone curious about the rich history of Jerusalem, this course offers valuable insights. It's especially recommended for educators, as it can serve as a foundational toolkit for teaching ancient history. **Why Enroll?** - **Engaging Content:** The course utilizes videos, valuable resources, and discussion forums that encourage interaction and deeper learning. - **Flexible Learning:** With a self-paced format, you can explore complex historical subjects at your own speed. - **Access to Resources:** Even after enrollment closure, earlier students can access extensive materials, making it a resource-rich experience. ### Conclusion In conclusion, "The Fall and Rise of Jerusalem" on Coursera is an exceptional course that combines historical analysis with engaging educational techniques. It thoughtfully navigates through an era marked by both tragedy and resurgence, making it not just informative, but also profoundly inspiring. Whether you wish to deepen your understanding of Jerusalem's tumultuous history or explore the lessons that arise in times of adversity, this course is undoubtedly a must-visit. Enroll now, and start your journey through one of history's most fascinating narratives.

Syllabus

Introduction to geopolitics and geography of the Ancient Near East

Welcome to the first module of "The Fall and Rise of Jerusalem"! In this module you will be introduced to the geopolitical reality of the time of the Assyrian empire, followed by the Neo-Babylonian. We hope you'll find the videos informative and interesting. We encourage you to use the discussion forums in order to raise any questions or thoughts you might have after watching the videos.

The second module deals with Judah under Babylonian rule. We will learn about the Babylonian Conquest of Hattu-land and Judah, the events that lead to Jehoiakim's revolt and its outcome, and the changes in the Babylonian policy towards Judah following this revolt. You are welcome to raise questions for discussion regarding these topics.

This module deals with Zedekiah's rebellion and the destruction of Judah.You are invited to watch the following units and learn about the Egyptian intervention, the reasons for Zedekiah's revolt, and the history of the destruction of Judah.

In this module we will learn about the transition of the capital city from Jerusalem to Mizpah and the governorship of Gedaliah son of Ahikam in Mizpah following the destruction. We encourage you to use the discussions to ask about anything that isn't clear or raise your own ideas regarding the material you learned.

After learning of the days of the destruction and the historical role of Gedaliah son of Ahikam, you are invited to watch the lessons of the fifth module, which deals with the archaeology of the Babylonian Period. We will explore the magnificent finds from Ramat Rahel, the stamp impressions and what they can teach us about continuity or discontinuity in this period and the fate of Jerusalem and Judah following the destruction. I also recommend watching the optional videos which deal with additional interesting research topics.

The last module of our course will deal with different aspects of the Persian period: the cult of Jerusalem, changes in Jerusalem's status, the Judahite diaspora, the fall of Babylon and much more. We hope you will enjoy this final module which closes the story of Jerusalem's fall and rise.