The Israelites wage war against the Philistines, ending in the battle of David and Goliath. David captures Jerusalem, making it the new capital. Upon his death, David's son ascends to the throne but proves to be a very different ruler than his father.

When King Herod claims Jerusalem, he angers Cleopatra in Egypt. The two trade political maneuvers as Mark Antony, the co-ruler of Rome, tries to control them. Despite this conflict, Herod the Great manages to modernize the ancient city.

Jerusalem has become a holy city for three of the major faiths of the world, and the tension reaches a climax during the epic battle between Saladin and Richard the Lionheart during the Third Crusade. The fate of the city hangs in the balance.

Jerusalem is under Ottoman rule when World War I begins. Palestinian Arabs lead a revolt, aided by Great Britain, and the war ends with the British in control, declaring the Crusades finally over and setting in train the city's next great conflict.

While World War II rages, Palestinian Arabs feel trapped, and Jewish refugees arrive in increasing numbers. When the state of Israel is declared, war breaks out immediately. At its end, Israel's independence is secured, but the Holy City lies divided.

In 1967, Israel and its Arab neighbors are at war. But while Israel emerges victorious, its control of Palestinian Arab communities, on territory earmarked for a Palestinian state, creates the dilemma still plaguing the Holy Land to this day.