Jerusalem-Damascus

(202BCE)After many days of travel we had finally arrived to Jerusalem, one of my favorite cities. As we entered inside the city walls, which they had many of, three on the north side of city, and one on every other side, we could see the second temple. "Like a snowy mountain glittering in the sun" - that is how Josephus Flavius. The Jewish temple was built of three spectacular shades of marble. Inside many men and women prayed to their god. As I entered the city, slaves, who were waiting for me because there masters wanted first serve to the slik, ran towards me. I ignored them because first I needed to visit Abbot, my dear friend, and greatest customer. As I entered his house I saw him closing a deal with another man. From what I could tell the other man was paying a hefty price for Abbot’s daughter, who had just come of age. A very common practice Jerusalem. Once he closed the deal Abbot saw me and ran towards me. “I hope you have silk, and lots of it,” he said. Of course I did, so we went outside to my caravan, just to realize I had been robbed. There had been many recent robberies in the city, but no one would not have expected them to come to this part of town with the many rich residents that are heavily protected from robberies. That’s why they probably targeted my caravan. Abbot immediately sent his messenger to the King telling him what had occurred. While waiting for a reply from the key, we went on and completed our transaction. Abbot bought all the silk I had left. Although I will still make profit from this trip, it is much less than I had hoped for. Soon after I had finished eating a large dinner, more like a banquet, with Abbot and his wife, a very beautiful lady, a King's messenger knocked on the door. He invited Abbot and I to his palace and dinner as an apology. This was an incredible offer and since I had no more silk to trade their wasn’t much else to do besides wait for my wives, who shopping in the market. Abbot on the other hand was unable to go because he had to go perform some ceremony in the Synagogue; I don’t understand it completely. After saying my goodbyes I immediately headed for the palace. The King’s slaves welcomed me and led me into a large room where the King was city. There was so much gold, art, and other riches on the walls and tabletops. I could never have dreamed of this kind of wealth. I used to consider myself a rich man but after looking around that room that quickly changed. The King offered me to sit down, which I did, and slave entered bringing lots of food and drink. “I suspect you have already dined,” the King inquired. I replied yes and we began to talk. The King told me about his life, I told him about mine. He also offered his sincerest apologies and offered me in gold how much the silk was worth. I tried to decline, but he insisted. I guess for him that much gold is nothing. As the night came to end I thanked him and came to my caravan where my wives waited. What a day I thought and went to sleep.

(730 CE) I woke up today in my home, the bustling city of Damascus. After waking up i brushed my teeth using a toothbrush which had been invented just a hundred years prior. I have a huge private residence with lots of artwork. I am a rich merchant, just like everyone else in my family. Our family’s tradition of trading can date back to the second century BC, when our relative became a wealthy silk trade. We have a big family because he had many kids. Supposedly he had three wives. Although most of my family has been silk traders my father and I have become very rich from trading steel. About 200 years ago steel was invented in this very city. It is very useful for making swords and is an expensive commodity around the world. Damascan steel is known all over for its strength and durability. Our swords also have incredible artwork. After an amazing breakfast made by my many slaves, I went to the great mosque to pray. The mosque was completed only 15 years ago, but it is absolutely magnificent. Some say it cost 1,000,000 dinar to make. Originally the site of the mosque was a temple to this strange god Jupiter that the Romans worshipped. It later became a christian cathedral. The mosque was payed for by the Umayyads who conquered this city about 100 years ago and made it their capital. Since than many people have become muslims, including me. One time I actually met the caliphate, an incredible honor. Everyday I pray towards Mecca. I’m hoping to make Hajj soon. Unlike most people, finding the money isn’t an issue for me, it's finding the time. As a merchant I am very busy and often travel to other cities. Today I embarked on one such trip. I carry 100 swords and some dye in my splendid caravan to trade in Jerusalem. This beautiful caravan has been passed down generation to generation from the first merchant in our family. Along the road many people stand in awe looking at the incredible vehicle plated with gold. I am hoping to make considerable profit in Jerusalem.