The Citadel
Quick Summary
A citadel is a fortified structure, often within a city, designed for protection or control. Historically, citadels served military, governmental, and religious functions, with early examples found in the Indus civilization around 2500 BCE. In ancient Greece, cities were often based on central citadels. During medieval and early modern Europe, citadels provided shelter during sieges and were used to maintain order.1
Jerusalem features a prominent citadel, known as the Tower of David, which has evolved over centuries, incorporating structures from Hasmonean, Herodian, Crusader, and Mamluk periods. The current form of the Citadel dates to the 16th century. The city itself, particularly the Old City, is surrounded by walls with several gates, with the most recent major wall construction by the Ottoman Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent in the 16th century. The Citadel is located beside the Jaffa Gate.23
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