Jerusalem Syndrome

Jerusalem: A City of Timeless History and Spirituality

The city of Jerusalem is one of the oldest cities in the world, the cradle of Abrahamic religions, and an integral part of how the Holy Land got its name. As the city's history spans millennia, there's always more to discover underground. Even as it continues to grow and become more modern, its ancient energy never fails to captivate.

The modern city of Jerusalem is littered with random historical sites, despite the fact that in ancient times Jerusalem was considerably smaller with city walls largely enclosing it. As you walk around residential Jerusalem, you can come across a historical site at any time, or pass by an 800-year-old olive tree.

An excellent example is the 2,000+ year old burial chamber of Jason. Based on charcoal drawings of two warships found in the cave, Jason was possibly a naval commander. A Doric column decorates the burial chamber and courtyard of this structure. Inscriptions in Aramaic and Greek are carved onto the walls, including one lamenting Jason's passing: “A powerful lament make for Jason, son of P…(my brother) peace … who hast built thyself a tomb, Elder rest in peace.”

In some ways, Jason's tomb represents Jerusalem's past suffering. Over the course of history, it has been conquered 40 times, destroyed 18 times, and rebuilt numerous times. It has also been the site of over 100 battles for control, which illustrates how Jerusalem has always been coveted.

The fervor for Jerusalem is so strong that it has its own mental disorder—"The Jerusalem Syndrome." Visitors to the Holy City suffer from this syndrome, believing they have become biblical figures such as Moses, Jesus, or others.

Anxiety, stress, obsession with purifying the body, and desires for isolation are just a few of the symptoms. Several dozen tourists experience the condition each year. It seems that if you stare at Jerusalem, Jerusalem will stare right back.

All in all, Jerusalem will always be the most spiritual, religious, and historically mysterious city to visit, whether you're looking to admire the beauty of the Dome of the Rock, marvel at The Holy Sepulchre, or follow the steps of Jesus on The Via Dolorosa.