jjares reviewed on 7/12/2022 + 3299 more book reviews

According to this book, Bethlehem is one of the oldest cities in the world. Early texts dating from the 14th century BCE mention Bethlehem. Many groups have conquered Bethlehem, including the Caananites, Jews, Romans, Arabs, Crusaders, the Mamluks of Egypt, and the Ottomans. However, that is just its old history. The British, Jordan, Israel, and the Palestinian National Authority controlled the region. The Palestinian National Authority currently administers the area. The Church of the Nativity in Brenham is the world's oldest continuously used Christian church.

I was disappointed by the few photos of the Church of the Nativity. I had to google the church to see more information. The Church of the Nativity was built over the Cave of the Nativity (where locals believed Jesus was born) by Emperor Constantine's mother, Helena, in May 339 CE. The church and its environs have had a long and difficult history. Today, about 35,000 live in Bethlehem. However, over 2 million visitors visit each year. Unfortunately, the Church of the Nativity is not in good shape because the three groups who share control do not work together. These three custodians are the Greek Orthodox Church, the Armenian Orthodox Church, and the Franciscan Order.

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