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Mount Scopus
Hebrew: "Har HaTsofim"
Skopusberg mit Universitaet.jpg
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem on the top of the mountain
Highest point
Elevation 826 m (2,710 ft)
Listing Judaean Mountains
Geography
Location Jerusalem

Mount Scopus (Hebrew: הַר הַצּוֹפִים Har HaTsofim; Arabic: جبل المشارف, Ǧabal al-Mašārif) is a famous mountain in Jerusalem. It is located north-east of the Old City. The mountain stands about 826 metres (2,710 ft) above sea level.

Mount Scopus is considered an exclave of Israel. This means it is a part of Israel that is surrounded by land belonging to another area, in this case, the West Bank. The area was taken from Jordan during the 1948 Arab–Israeli War.

A cemetery belonging to the American Colony in Jerusalem is located close to the entrance of the Hebrew University.

What is Mount Scopus?

Mount Scopus is a significant landmark in Jerusalem. It offers amazing views of the city and the surrounding areas. The name "Scopus" comes from a Greek word meaning "watcher" or "lookout." This is because of its high position, which provides a great vantage point.

Location and Height

The mountain is found in the north-eastern part of Jerusalem. It is part of the Judaean Mountains range. Standing at 826 meters (about 2,710 feet) tall, it is one of the higher points in the region.

A Special Part of Israel

Mount Scopus is an "exclave" of Israel. Imagine a piece of a puzzle that belongs to one picture but is placed inside another picture. That's what an exclave is. Mount Scopus is Israeli territory, but it is surrounded by the West Bank. This unique situation came about after the 1948 Arab-Israeli War.

Important Places on Mount Scopus

Mount Scopus is home to several important institutions and historical sites. These places make the mountain a center for education, art, and history.

Hebrew University of Jerusalem

One of the most well-known places on Mount Scopus is the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. It is a leading university in Israel. Many students come here to study different subjects. The university campus on Mount Scopus is very large and has many buildings.

National Botanic Gardens

The National Botanic Gardens are also found on Mount Scopus. These gardens are a beautiful place to visit. They have many different types of plants from Israel and other parts of the world. It's a great spot to learn about nature.

Historical Cemeteries

Mount Scopus is home to several important cemeteries:

  • The Jerusalem British War Cemetery is where soldiers from the British Empire who died in World War I are buried.
  • The Jerusalem American Colony Cemetery is also located here.
  • The Bentwich Cemetery is another historical burial ground on the mountain.

Other Notable Institutions

History of Mount Scopus

Mount Scopus has a long and interesting history. It has been important for many different groups of people over thousands of years.

Ancient Times

Because of its high location, Mount Scopus was often used as a military lookout point. Armies would camp on the mountain before attacking Jerusalem. For example, the Roman army led by Titus camped here in 70 AD before destroying Jerusalem.

Modern History

In the early 20th century, Mount Scopus became a center for education. The Hebrew University of Jerusalem was founded here in 1918. Famous people like Albert Einstein even visited the university.

During the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, Mount Scopus became an isolated area. It was separated from the main part of Israel. This is how it became an exclave. Israeli forces held onto the mountain, even though it was surrounded by Jordanian territory.

After the Six-Day War in 1967, Israel gained control of the surrounding areas. This reconnected Mount Scopus with the rest of Jerusalem. Today, it continues to be an important part of the city.

Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Monte Scopus para niños

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