Check out this article written by Kate Brooks: What is Beneath the Temple Mount
It is about uncovering archaeological finds underneath the temple mount. Here is a quote about the significance of the site to the Jewish archaeologists:
Jewish tradition holds that it is the site where God gathered the dust to create Adam and where Abraham nearly sacrificed his son Isaac to prove his faith. King Solomon, according to the Bible, built the First Temple of the Jews on this mountaintop circa 1000 B.C., only to have it torn down 400 years later by troops commanded by the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar, who sent many Jews into exile. In the first century B.C., Herod expanded and refurbished a Second Temple built by Jews who had returned after their banishment. It is here that, according to the Gospel of John, Jesus Christ lashed out against the money changers (and was later crucified a few hundred yards away). The Roman general Titus exacted revenge against Jewish rebels, sacking and burning the Temple in A.D. 70.
Brooks also discusses the significance of the Temple Mount to Muslims. She states that ancient historical significance has fueled modern-day political tensions that we have began to discuss in class. It’s a fun read! Check it out.
Contested and re-imagined histories are a fascinating issue in Jerusalem. I came across some interesting examples of this in the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Silwan. I wrote it about it on my blog http://regionalgeography.org/101blog/?p=470. I would be interested to know what you think.