Fall of Jerusalem

Timeline

1. 637Jerusalem · PalestineAfter Yarmouk, Arab forces under commanders such as Abu Ubayda arrived before Jerusalem. The garrison held out under Patriarch Sophronius, but with Byzantine relief hopeless, the siege situation grew increasingly grim.
2. 637Jerusalem · PalestineSophronius stated he would surrender only to the caliph in person. Umar came from Medina to Jerusalem, negotiated with the patriarch and signed a treaty of surrender, promising to protect Christian lives, property and places of worship; the inhabitants paid the jizya and received guarantees of autonomy.
3. 637Jerusalem · PalestineJerusalem was peacefully transferred to Arab rule. According to Islamic tradition, Umar prayed in the Temple Mount area, laying the foundation for the later construction of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock. The Holy City has since held a central place in Islamic, Christian and Jewish traditions alike.