Bethlehem

City on the west bank of the River Jordan, 8 km/5 mi south of Jerusalem; population (1997 est) 136,400. It was occupied by Israel in 1967 and came under control of the Palestine National Authority in December 1995. In the Bible it is mentioned as the birthplace of King David and Jesus, and in 326 the Church of the Nativity was built over the grotto said to be the birthplace of Jesus. The modern city is an agricultural marketing centre, and has particular importance as a centre for pilgrims and tourists. Its industries are still largely associated with the pilgrim and tourist trade, and include the manufacture of religious articles.

Bethlehem lies on a high narrow ridge, 715 m/2,346 ft above sea level. It is also famous as the scene of the Biblical story of Ruth. The city is predominantly Muslim, although the population includes many Christians. Prior to 132, Christian pilgrimages to Bethlehem had begun, and in 326 the Roman emperor Constantine built the Church of the Nativity, where in 1099 the Crusaders raised their standard and Baldwin I was crowned King of Jerusalem. It is the oldest Christian church still in use, and was restored by Justinian in the 6th century; its roof was repaired in the 15th century with lead and oak trunks sent by Edward IV of England, some of which are still in position. The chapel is shared by the Greek Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Armenian Orthodox religious communities. The Grotto of the Nativity lies beneath the choir; on the east side is a semicircular niche where a silver star in the floor indicates the spot where Jesus was born; it is inscribed Hic de Virgine Maria Jesus Christus natus est (‘here Jesus was born to the Virgin Mary’). To the south of Bethlehem are the ancient Pools of Solomon. Bethlehem University was founded in 1973.