The second road led away from Jerusalem into Bethlehem. The Mons Gaudi ended and Davids gate and it is also called the Road to the city (Boaz, 2001). It is believed that most of the medieval gate was destroyed. The author explains that "two unusual and very fine Corinthian capitals of Frankish workmanship can be seen in secondary use in the blind arch to the east of the Ottoman gate, but their origin is unknown (Boaz, 2001)." The author also explains that it is quite possible that once the citadel was extended and cane to look like it currently does, Davids Gate was relocated and renamed Jaffa's gate. Today the gate is located further to the west than the original David's Gate. However, Jaffa's gate is still located opposite the entrance to David Street just as the original David's gate.

Herod's Gate (Gate of Flowers)

This gate is also located on the Northern wall and serves as an entrance into the Muslim quarter. This particular gate serves as an entrance to the main market place. The gate was named Herod's gate during the Middle Ages when the palace of Herod Antipas was located near the gate (Jerusalem's Gates). According to a book entitled, the Holy Land: An Oxford Archaeological Guide from Earliest Times to 1700,

The original entrance for the gate can be found in the east face of the tower. In 1099 it is believed that the Crusaders established a bridgehead on the walls of this gate.

In present times the gate serves as the entry to the market area. It is often referred to as the gate of flowers because merchants sell flowers near the entrance of the gate (Jerusalem's Gates). Today Herod's gate serves as a critically important gate for merchants and commerce.

New Gate

This gate is referred to as the new gate because it was the last gate built. It was constructed in 1898-1899. This gate leads to the Christian Quarter of Jerusalem.

This particular gate was sealed off during the 1948 war. It was opened again in 1967 when Israel was established as a Jewish State.

The reopening of the New Gate was extremely important to the survival of the Christian quarter. This was the case because the Christian quarter was cut off from the market center when it was sealed during the 1948 war. Today it serves as a vital gate in the old city, for who live there.

Conclusion

The purpose of this discussion was to provide information concerning the origin...

The research demonstrated that the History of the Seven Gates of Jerusalem is meaningful to the ancient city. The research contained in this discussion demonstrates the manner in which each gate has a historical significance and has served a purpose in the ancient city. The research confirms that the gates are important as it pertains to providing various entry points into the four quarters of the city.
The gates also mark historical landmarks including Mount Zion and the Tower of David. These landmarks and locations where important religious events took place are vitally important to Christians Jews and Muslims. People of these different faiths some from all over the world travel to the Old City each year to see these locations and the gates serve as vital guides to these historic places.

The gates are also important because they provide historical insight into the various empires and rulers that have captured the city or been conquered in the city. Some of the gates have been moved from their historical locations as different rulers came into power. Other gates, such as Dung Gate, served specific purposes such as carrying waste away from the city.

In any case the research has established the significance of the gates that are contained in the ancient city. The gates that are closed or sealed also hold significant meaning, particularly as it pertains to Judaism and Christianity. It is apparent that Jewish landmarks including the gates of the city will continue to be at the center of research well into the future.

References

Boas, a.J. (2001). Jerusalem in the Time of the Crusades: Society, Landscape, and Art in the Holy City under Frankish Rule. London: Routledge.

Carlson, J.R. (1951). Cairo to Damascus (1st ed.). New York: Knopf.

Jerusalem's Gates. Retrieved July 12, 2008 at http://www.ariel.org/vjgates.htm

O'Connor, J. (2008) the Holy Land: An Oxford Archaeological Guide from Earliest Times to 1700. Oxford University Press

Strubbe, B. (1998, May). Walking Jerusalem's Ramparts. World and I, 13, 121+.

The Old City Gates. The Jewish Virtual Library. Retrieved July 12, 2008 at http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Society_&_Culture/geo/gates.html

Walton J.H., Matthews V.r H., Chavalas M.W. (2000). The Ivp Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament. Intervarsity Press