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Z. Radovan / www.biblelandpictures.com

Across the Kidron Valley, on the Mount of Olives, stands the Church of the Ascension, where, according to Christian tradition, Jesus ascended into heaven. Some 40 days after his resurrection, which came three days after his crucifixion, Jesus led his followers “out as far as Bethany … and was carried up into heaven” (Luke 24:50–51). Before the Muslims captured Jerusalem, the spiritual “shape” of the city was dominated by two Christian structures: the sites of Jesus’ resurrection and his ascension into heaven.