Mt. Zion
Mt. Zion in Jerusalem is central to the history of the biblical text to which Solomon's temple resides. In Jerusalem lie many temples dating back to times earlier than Jerusalem, such as ziggurats from the Mesopotamian Era, in which they also served as a place for worship. The concept of building temples is a recurring theme throughout different religions and is thought to be divine in nature, meaning plans for a temple were lowered from the heavens or given by divine decree.
On many accounts these sacred spaces attract stories and legends that may be historical or borrowed, in which build the reputation of the space. Such as the story of Adam being buried under the Dome of the Rock on Mt. Zion, which is tradition not actually recorded in biblical text. Stories such as this make Jerusalem's reputation as enormous as it is.
Now not only is there sacred space but sacred time that is consecrated and holy. This idea of sacred time has made its way into many faiths as a day of rest. A distinct benefit of sacred time is the undertaking of a religious identity through sacred time as there may not be a sacred space to which one may go.
Remember:
Sacred Spaces in Jerusalem
Judaism: Temple Mount, Western Wall
Christianity: Holy Sepucher
Muslim: Dome of the Rock, Al Aqsa Mosque
Hw: Read Eliade Ch1-2
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