0:00:00 > 0:00:00- Subtitles
0:00:00 > 0:00:02- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:00:03 > 0:00:04- The Temple Mount...
0:00:05 > 0:00:08- ..is one of the holiest places - on the face of the earth.
0:00:14 > 0:00:17- For the Jew, it is the site - of the Temple of Solomon.
0:00:21 > 0:00:25- For the Christian, the location of - Herod's Temple, where Jesus walked.
0:00:31 > 0:00:33- And for every Muslim...
0:00:33 > 0:00:37- ..it is the site from where - Muhammad ascended to heaven.
0:00:47 > 0:00:50- Three faiths, each laying claim...
0:00:50 > 0:00:52- ..to the Holy Land.
0:00:53 > 0:00:56- Throughout - Jerusalem's long history...
0:00:56 > 0:01:00- ..the faithful - have always fought for possession.
0:01:03 > 0:01:08- Today, archaeologists - are embroiled in the conflict.
0:01:08 > 0:01:13- Their work holds the key to - understanding Jerusalem's history.
0:01:13 > 0:01:16- A history - that could change our future.
0:01:16 > 0:01:22- I've come here to try and discover - the truth about the Temple Mount...
0:01:23 > 0:01:27- ..and the battle - for the Holy Land of Jerusalem.
0:01:38 > 0:01:43- At Easter and Christmas, - pilgrims flock to the holy city.
0:01:50 > 0:01:53- It's a different story - at other times of the year.
0:01:56 > 0:01:59- Jerusalem's streets are quiet.
0:02:01 > 0:02:04- Mid morning, - one can take a leisurely walk...
0:02:05 > 0:02:08- ..and take in - the ambience of the cafes...
0:02:08 > 0:02:10- ..eye up souvenirs...
0:02:10 > 0:02:13- ..and pick out presents - to take home.
0:02:14 > 0:02:18- This is the modern, sophisticated - and civilised Old City.
0:02:22 > 0:02:26- Stallholders - along these famous narrow streets...
0:02:26 > 0:02:31- ..though keen to make a sale, - refrain from pressuring tourists...
0:02:31 > 0:02:35- ..which can sometimes happen - in other places in the Middle East.
0:02:40 > 0:02:42- At the Dome of the Rock...
0:02:42 > 0:02:45- ..there is peace, perfect peace...
0:02:45 > 0:02:47- ..in Islam's Noble Sanctuary.
0:02:52 > 0:02:55- Though this is not always the case.
0:02:59 > 0:03:04- Two months before I arrived, - there was a violent uprising.
0:03:07 > 0:03:12- Muslim protestors were reacting - to threats from Jewish extremists...
0:03:12 > 0:03:14- ..to take over the site.
0:03:17 > 0:03:19- It resulted in one fatality.
0:03:19 > 0:03:22- The casualty was a 25-year-old man.
0:03:26 > 0:03:29- Once again, the threat of war - hangs over Israel...
0:03:30 > 0:03:32- ..and the rest of the world.
0:03:35 > 0:03:39- For the devout Jew, - this is sacred territory.
0:03:39 > 0:03:41- The ancient site of the Temple.
0:03:42 > 0:03:45- But it's also hallowed ground - for the Muslim.
0:03:45 > 0:03:48- It is - the third holiest site in Islam...
0:03:48 > 0:03:51- ..housing the Dome of the Rock - and Al-Aqsa Mosque.
0:03:54 > 0:04:00- Before I arrived, the situation - had been quelled, but for how long?
0:04:02 > 0:04:07- I was clearly reminded that Islam - retained its hold of the Sanctuary.
0:04:07 > 0:04:10- You are now - at the land of the Prophet...
0:04:10 > 0:04:13- ..of Islam in Al-Aqsa Mosque.
0:04:18 > 0:04:21- And the important holy area...
0:04:21 > 0:04:25- ..of all Muslims from all the world.
0:04:28 > 0:04:32- Muslims have worshipped here - for over a thousand years.
0:04:34 > 0:04:36- But for some Jews...
0:04:36 > 0:04:42- ..it's vital that the original site - of their holy temple is repossessed.
0:04:44 > 0:04:48- The Muslims have Mecca, - they have Medina...
0:04:49 > 0:04:51- ..and a distant third, - they have Jerusalem.
0:04:52 > 0:04:54- But for us, there's only Jerusalem.
0:04:54 > 0:04:58- That's the direction - we've always prayed towards.
0:04:58 > 0:05:00- It's always been in our hearts.
0:05:00 > 0:05:03- That's where it is - - the Temple Mount is it.
0:05:04 > 0:05:07- It's an infinite battle - between two faiths...
0:05:08 > 0:05:10- ..in which archaeology - plays a key role.
0:05:13 > 0:05:17- Jewish experts have tried to - establish the Temple's true history.
0:05:18 > 0:05:20- This cave beneath the Old City...
0:05:21 > 0:05:24- ..is apparently where - the Temple's stones were quarried.
0:05:27 > 0:05:30- But King Solomon - went further afield...
0:05:30 > 0:05:33- ..to adorn his temple.
0:05:37 > 0:05:40- In Jordan, - one archaeologist's research...
0:05:40 > 0:05:43- ..has uncovered mines - from Solomon's era.
0:05:44 > 0:05:46- It was deep underground here...
0:05:47 > 0:05:52- ..that slaves and criminals - mined copper for the Temple.
0:06:01 > 0:06:07- Smelting works were located nearby - to turn the mineral into metal.
0:06:12 > 0:06:15- Near the ancient city walls - of Jerusalem...
0:06:15 > 0:06:21- ..archaeologists are at work, - searching for the Temple's remains.
0:06:21 > 0:06:23- In the absence of proof...
0:06:24 > 0:06:27- ..they are relying on debris - uncovered from the Old City.
0:06:28 > 0:06:33- They've found relics to suggest - that Jews had worshipped...
0:06:33 > 0:06:35- ..in the heart of the city.
0:06:37 > 0:06:40- Other finds cast doubts - over date and tradition.
0:06:44 > 0:06:46- But the most precious treasure...
0:06:47 > 0:06:49- ..is beyond their reach.
0:06:52 > 0:06:57- Today, the sacred Temple Mount - is controlled by Muslim authorities.
0:06:58 > 0:07:00- But some of Israel's faithful...
0:07:01 > 0:07:05- ..are keen to begin building - a new temple here in haste.
0:07:08 > 0:07:12- According to the Bible, - two temples have stood here.
0:07:12 > 0:07:15- The Temple of Solomon - and the Temple of Herod.
0:07:15 > 0:07:18- But there's a third to come.
0:07:18 > 0:07:23- The prophet Ezekiel - had a vision of this.
0:07:32 > 0:07:34- For devout Christians...
0:07:34 > 0:07:39- ..it must be erected in the - final days before the Second Coming.
0:07:43 > 0:07:47- Zion's faithful wish to remove - the Noble Sanctuary...
0:07:47 > 0:07:49- ..to make room for it.
0:07:53 > 0:07:57- Al-Aqsa Mosque and the - Dome of the Rock will be removed.
0:07:59 > 0:08:02- We have very good engineers...
0:08:03 > 0:08:06- ..that will take them, - stone by stone...
0:08:06 > 0:08:11- ..and rebuild them back in Mecca, - the most holy place of the Muslims.
0:08:12 > 0:08:16- The Temple Mount - will become again...
0:08:17 > 0:08:20- ..the location, - the place, the spot...
0:08:21 > 0:08:23- ..of the Third Temple.
0:08:25 > 0:08:27- Gershon Solomon - and his supporters...
0:08:28 > 0:08:30- ..have already begun preparing.
0:08:33 > 0:08:36- They're using - the Scriptures as their guide.
0:08:36 > 0:08:40- These are - the first two cornerstones.
0:08:40 > 0:08:44- They open the process - of the rebuilding of the Temple.
0:08:46 > 0:08:50- Israel's prominent leaders - support the plan...
0:08:50 > 0:08:53- ..to repossess the Noble Sanctuary.
0:08:59 > 0:09:03- In 2000, Ariel Sharon - visited the Temple Mount...
0:09:03 > 0:09:06- ..accompanied by - 1,000 security guards...
0:09:06 > 0:09:10- ..and declared - it was the Jews' holy site.
0:09:10 > 0:09:15- Sharon, who became Israel's - prime minister shortly afterwards...
0:09:16 > 0:09:18- ..had enraged the Palestinians.
0:09:24 > 0:09:29- It resulted in the Al-Aqsa Intifada, - sparking five years of violence.
0:09:30 > 0:09:32- 6,000 people lost their lives.
0:09:36 > 0:09:40- Gershon Solomon is prepared - to follow in Sharon's footsteps.
0:09:44 > 0:09:49- He plans to celebrate Hanukkah, - the Jewish Festival of Lights...
0:09:50 > 0:09:53- ..on the Temple Mount - with a group of devout Jews.
0:09:55 > 0:10:00- The plan is that - we will march from the Jaffa Gate...
0:10:00 > 0:10:03- ..through the Old City - to the promenade...
0:10:03 > 0:10:05- ..in front of the Kotel.
0:10:06 > 0:10:11- From there, some of us, God willing, - will ascend to the Temple Mount.
0:10:12 > 0:10:16- It's to encourage - the political system...
0:10:16 > 0:10:19- ..that it's time - to rebuild the Temple.
0:10:19 > 0:10:25- Before they venture to the Temple - Mount, they pause for inspiration.
0:10:29 > 0:10:33- They convene at the site where - the Maccabean Revolt originated.
0:10:36 > 0:10:38- 2,500 years ago...
0:10:38 > 0:10:41- ..the Maccabees - won a famous victory...
0:10:42 > 0:10:46- ..pushing foreigners beyond - the confines of their country.
0:10:46 > 0:10:48- THEY SING IN HEBREW
0:10:54 > 0:10:58- The Jewish nation wishes to secure - Israel's soil for the Jews.
0:10:58 > 0:11:00- They want to remove the Muslims.
0:11:02 > 0:11:06- They pray with a face to Mecca.
0:11:06 > 0:11:08- Let them go back to Mecca.
0:11:09 > 0:11:11- This is not their land.
0:11:12 > 0:11:17- Redemption will come - only from Jerusalem.
0:11:19 > 0:11:21- From the Temple Mount.
0:11:22 > 0:11:27- 20 years ago, Solomon led a similar - campaign to the Temple Mount.
0:11:30 > 0:11:33- He's used to provocative action.
0:11:33 > 0:11:35- And he's not the only one.
0:11:35 > 0:11:38- Fierce clashes, conflict, violence.
0:11:38 > 0:11:43- Will the path that runs through - the Holy Land of Jerusalem...
0:11:43 > 0:11:45- ..lead to war?
0:11:49 > 0:11:50- .
0:11:52 > 0:11:52- Subtitles
0:11:52 > 0:11:54- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:12:00 > 0:12:03- Israel's history - is founded on warfare.
0:12:10 > 0:12:13- It is also founded on construction.
0:12:16 > 0:12:19- According to the Bible, - David slew Goliath.
0:12:20 > 0:12:24- He was responsible for the planning - and construction of Jerusalem.
0:12:30 > 0:12:34- His son, Solomon, - erected a splendid temple here...
0:12:34 > 0:12:36- ..dedicated to God.
0:12:40 > 0:12:45- For Solomon and every Jew, this is - the holiest sanctuary in the world.
0:12:45 > 0:12:47- The home of God's spirit.
0:12:47 > 0:12:52- By Jesus Christ's day, - a new temple stood here.
0:12:55 > 0:12:58- It was at the Temple of Herod - that Jesus taught.
0:12:58 > 0:13:01- He strived - to retain a pure sanctuary.
0:13:09 > 0:13:14- But shortly after Jesus' death, - the Temple of Herod was destroyed.
0:13:15 > 0:13:19- The Romans - executed the Temple's defenders.
0:13:20 > 0:13:23- It was burnt to the ground - and its ruins demolished.
0:13:23 > 0:13:28- The Romans - forced the Jews out of Israel.
0:13:30 > 0:13:34- They were displaced - for almost 2,000 years.
0:13:36 > 0:13:41- But Solomon's Temple and Herod's - Temple were far from forgotten.
0:13:41 > 0:13:44- According to Ezekiel's prophecy...
0:13:44 > 0:13:48- ..a third temple - will one day stand here.
0:13:50 > 0:13:55- But some of the Muslims who live - in Israel today deny that theory.
0:13:55 > 0:13:57- We are the Muslims.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03- What we believe in Qur'an...
0:14:03 > 0:14:06- ..and what we believe - of the Prophet Muhammad...
0:14:07 > 0:14:10- ..and the Holy Land of Islam.
0:14:15 > 0:14:18- There's no end in sight - for the conflict.
0:14:19 > 0:14:23- Countless Jews have returned...
0:14:23 > 0:14:28- ..to establish the State of Israel - following World War II.
0:14:28 > 0:14:32- Tension in the country - is evident to every visitor.
0:14:32 > 0:14:36- There's - a constant military presence...
0:14:37 > 0:14:40- ..even next to the holiest of sites.
0:14:42 > 0:14:47- Here, in the square opposite - the Temple's Western Wall...
0:14:47 > 0:14:51- ..the Israeli army - exerts its power.
0:14:51 > 0:14:54- I have to admit that as a Muslim...
0:14:55 > 0:14:58- ..I didn't feel comfortable - staring at them.
0:15:00 > 0:15:03- Up until now, - military strength alone...
0:15:03 > 0:15:07- ..has failed to determine - who owns the Temple Mount.
0:15:07 > 0:15:10- No compromise - has been reached from discourse...
0:15:11 > 0:15:14- ..or archaeological study.
0:15:14 > 0:15:17- Perhaps a new perspective is needed?
0:15:18 > 0:15:22- As an architect, - my point of view, I must admit...
0:15:22 > 0:15:25- ..was in another way of thinking - than the archaeologists.
0:15:26 > 0:15:31- He claims that archaeologists - tend to study minor objects...
0:15:31 > 0:15:34- ..such as pottery - or ancient coins...
0:15:37 > 0:15:41- ..whereas architects - study the city in its entirety...
0:15:41 > 0:15:45- ..and the relationship - between the different buildings.
0:15:49 > 0:15:54- It's possible that the Temple didn't - stand on top of the mountain...
0:15:54 > 0:15:58- ..where the Dome of the Rock - stands today but at a lower level.
0:16:02 > 0:16:05- Sagiv has noticed - the height of the aqueduct...
0:16:06 > 0:16:09- ..that supplied - the Temple's devotional bath.
0:16:09 > 0:16:13- You can see - that the level of the aqueduct...
0:16:13 > 0:16:17- ..is lower - than the Dome of the Rock.
0:16:17 > 0:16:21- So how comes - that the water climbs up?
0:16:21 > 0:16:23- So maybe we have a mistake?
0:16:23 > 0:16:28- Is there room for a Jewish temple - as well as a Muslim sanctuary?
0:16:29 > 0:16:33- Yes, if the temple stood - at the same level as this square...
0:16:33 > 0:16:37- ..exactly where - the nation's identity belongs.
0:16:37 > 0:16:42- Jewish people came just specific - to this point to pray. Why here?
0:16:42 > 0:16:46- Maybe somebody knew...
0:16:47 > 0:16:50- ..that this is the right place - to stand and pray...
0:16:50 > 0:16:53- ..as close as possible - to the Holy of Holies.
0:16:58 > 0:17:02- Sagiv has come up with - an inventive compromise.
0:17:06 > 0:17:09- But are zealous Jews - prepared to accept it?
0:17:12 > 0:17:14- Absolutely not.
0:17:14 > 0:17:17- Others - have already begun planning...
0:17:18 > 0:17:22- ..to repossess the site - where Muslims currently worship...
0:17:22 > 0:17:26- ..and construct a new temple there.
0:17:29 > 0:17:33- This is a unique model - - the Third Temple...
0:17:34 > 0:17:38- ..that the prophet Ezekiel - had prophesied...
0:17:38 > 0:17:41- ..long before - the days of Jesus Christ.
0:17:47 > 0:17:50- In the 47th chapter of Ezekiel...
0:17:50 > 0:17:52- ..from the Holy of Holies...
0:17:52 > 0:17:56- ..which is at the back - of the temple, the west end...
0:17:57 > 0:17:59- ..a thin stream of water...
0:17:59 > 0:18:03- ..will flow through the temple, - out, and become a raging river...
0:18:03 > 0:18:06- ..impossible to cross by foot.
0:18:06 > 0:18:09- Trees will grow up on both banks.
0:18:09 > 0:18:13- The leaves of these trees will heal - every sickness in the world...
0:18:13 > 0:18:18- ..and people from all over the world - will come here to be healed.
0:18:19 > 0:18:21- Their faith is greater than logic.
0:18:23 > 0:18:27- From birth, religion - is a way of life here in Israel.
0:18:30 > 0:18:33- Some people are certain - that they hear God's voice.
0:18:41 > 0:18:45- Heaven's message - to a majority of the faithful...
0:18:45 > 0:18:49- ..is to stick to their beliefs - and refuse to compromise.
0:18:50 > 0:18:54- The ramifications in a situation - like this can be explosive.
0:18:58 > 0:19:02- At the other end of the square, - another storm is brewing.
0:19:04 > 0:19:08- Gershon Solomon is ready - to occupy the Muslim Sanctuary.
0:19:12 > 0:19:16- Halfway to the gate, - he is spotted by police.
0:19:19 > 0:19:23- They are fully aware - of Solomon's attempt 20 years ago.
0:19:24 > 0:19:30- For police, it begs the question, - what are the group's motives?
0:19:31 > 0:19:37- Meanwhile, other pilgrims gather - to worship at the Western Wall.
0:19:37 > 0:19:41- A decision is eventually reached.
0:19:41 > 0:19:46- Solomon is prohibited - from entering the Temple Mount.
0:19:46 > 0:19:49- He's not allowed to go up there...
0:19:49 > 0:19:53- ..from the police - because he's been threatened...
0:19:53 > 0:19:55- ..by the Mufti of Jerusalem...
0:19:56 > 0:19:59- ..that if he ascends - on to the Temple Mount...
0:19:59 > 0:20:03- ..that there would be - essentially a third Intifada.
0:20:04 > 0:20:10- For Solomon, the police's - intervention is yet another sign...
0:20:10 > 0:20:13- ..of the Jewish - authorities' failings.
0:20:15 > 0:20:17- Because the Mufti...
0:20:17 > 0:20:21- ..the leader of the Muslims - on the Temple Mount...
0:20:22 > 0:20:24- ..warned them...
0:20:24 > 0:20:28- ..if Gershon Solomon - will go up on the Temple Mount...
0:20:29 > 0:20:34- ..Jewish blood will run and - cover the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.
0:20:41 > 0:20:46- For more than 2,000 years, - the Holy City has been the focus...
0:20:46 > 0:20:49- ..of mankind's hopes and fears.
0:20:49 > 0:20:52- The eyes of the world - still turn towards Jerusalem.
0:20:55 > 0:20:59- Filming this series has meant - that I've been privileged...
0:20:59 > 0:21:04- ..to set foot in the holiest sites - on the face of the earth.
0:21:04 > 0:21:06- According to tradition...
0:21:06 > 0:21:11- ..the leaders of three world faiths - have all walked on the Temple Mount.
0:21:11 > 0:21:15- But it's war, not peace, - that has ensued.
0:21:24 > 0:21:26- Wisdom. Love. Peace.
0:21:26 > 0:21:30- If that was the message - expressed by King Solomon...
0:21:31 > 0:21:36- ..Jesus Christ and the Prophet - Muhammad from this sacred site...
0:21:37 > 0:21:39- ..who's willing to listen?
0:21:39 > 0:21:42- Power and violence...
0:21:42 > 0:21:47- ..have governed here - rather than God's will.
0:21:47 > 0:21:50- There are few signs to suggest...
0:21:50 > 0:21:53- ..that the future - is going to be any different.
0:22:03 > 0:22:07- The Temple Mount - or the Noble Sanctuary?
0:22:09 > 0:22:12- Nobody can even agree on its name.
0:22:21 > 0:22:26- The battle over the Holy Land of - Jerusalem is as ferocious as ever.
0:22:56 > 0:22:58- S4C Subtitles by Adnod Cyf.
0:22:58 > 0:22:59- .