When King Herod claims Jerusalem from the Hasmoneans, he angers Cleopatra, who wants to reclaim Judea. Despite this conflict, Herod the Great manages to modernize the ancient city, revolutionizing the city of God forever.

Tension reaches a climax during the epic battle between Saladin and Richard the Lionheart during the Third Crusade. As these two prominent military strategists go to war, the fate of the holy city hangs in their balance.

World War I finds Jerusalem under Ottoman rule. Prince Faisal leads an Arab revolt, aided and encouraged by Britain. The war ends with the British in control, declaring the Crusades over and setting in train the city's next great conflict.