Intertestamental period

David captured the Jebusite stronghold and made it his capital. Solomon built the first temple; Babylon destroyed it in 586 BC; Zerubbabel and Ezra/Nehemiah rebuilt; Herod expanded; Rome destroyed it again in AD 70. The center of redemptive history through every era — including the crucifixion, resurrection, and Pentecost.

Capital of the empire and goal of Paul's long ambition to preach the gospel. He reached the city as a prisoner under house arrest, eventually dying as a martyr under Nero. Romans was written before he had ever been there. Tradition holds Peter also died here, crucified upside down at his request.