Jerusalem is considered one of the most holy places in the world. It is regarded as sacred space by the three major religions—Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. It is located up on a hill and is believed this makes it closer to the heavens and the Lord. There are three surrounding valleys: Kidron Valley to the east, Hinnom Valley to the west, Tyropean Valley directly south. Because Jerusalem is atop a hill it possesses a natural defense against invasion from foreign armies. The Holy City may not be located directly on a trade route or major water source, but it has been a central point to the history of the world. Europe is to the west, Asia is to the east, and Africa is to the south.
Modern day Jerusalem is split into sections: Christian quarter, Jewish quarter, Islamic quarter, Armenian quarter, and to the east is the fifth quarter where the temple mount was built. The only source of water locally is the Gihon spring, therefore to satisfy this populated area, water must be brought in from abroad. There is no other city quite like Jerusalem in the world, with its rich history, religious complexity, and political strife.
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