© Getty Images

Bethlehem has different meanings -

Bethlehem has been inhabited by many different peoples throughout history, and as such its name has different meanings in different languages.

© Getty Images

Bethlehem has different meanings -

Bethlehem as we know it comes for the Hebrew words for "bread" and "house," and essentially means "house of bread." But since both "bread" and "war" come from the same root in the language, it can also be interpreted as "house of war."

© Getty Images

Bethlehem can have different meanings -

As for Arabic, Bethlehem means "house of meat." This is believed to be a reference to the animal husbandry and meat production that took place in the area.

© Getty Images

The Amarna Letters -

The Amarna Letters are tablets that contain correspondence from Egypt's pharaoh with foreign rulers.

© Getty Images

The Amarna Letters -

In one of the letters (Amarna Letter 290), which was sent from the ruler of Jerusalem, there is reference to a place called "Bit-Ninurta." Some archaeologists interpret it as being Bethlehem.

© Getty Images

The Amarna Letters -

However, there is not enough evidence to prove that this is indeed the case. Some scholars believe "Bit-Ninurta" is actually a reference to a place called Beth Horon.

© Getty Images

Archaeological evidence confirms the town existed in Biblical times -

While the Amarna Letters might not be considered enough evidence of the existence of Bethlehem in Biblical times, in 2012 solid evidence dating back to the 8th or 7th centuries BCE was found.

© Getty Images

Archaeological evidence confirms the town existed in Biblical times -

Excavations in Jerusalem unearthed a piece of an administrative seal that mentioned the word "Bethlehem." It's believed to have been used to stamp tax shipments to the kings of Judah. Though some doubt remains as to whether the seal was from Bethlehem of Judaea or from Bethlehem of Galilee, the latter being where Jesus was born.

© Getty Images

Rachel's Tomb -

The Jewish matriarch Rachel is buried on the road at the entrance of Bethlehem. It is mentioned in Genesis 35:19. "So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem)."

© Getty Images

Rachel's Tomb -

It's considered a place of interest for Jews, Christians, and Muslims. But for centuries the site has also been disputed and has seen its fair share of conflict.

© Getty Images

Bethlehem was King David's birthplace -

Bethlehem was also another important Biblical figure's birthplace: a shepherd boy named David, who would become king of Israel.

© Getty Images

Bethlehem was King David's birthplace -

Not only was King David born in Bethlehem, but he was also anointed there.

© Getty Images

Bethlehem was King David's birthplace -

The Hebrew prophets Isaiah and Micah predicted that the Messiah would be a descendant of David, so it makes sense that Jesus was also born in Bethlehem, right?

© Getty Images

Jesus' birthplace -

A century later, Jesus was born. Nativity scenes depict baby Jesus in a stable and manger, but was Jesus really born in such a place? Probably not.

© Getty Images

Jesus' birthplace -

It is believed that Jesus was born in a cave/grotto, where the Church of the Nativity was built upon. These caves were commonly used as shelters by shepherds back then.

© Getty Images

The Church of the Nativity is shared -

Today, there is a general consensus that Jesus was born in the grotto under the Church of the Nativity. Being such a coveted place for Christians, its ownership is actually shared by a number of denominations.

© Getty Images

The Church of the Nativity is shared -

The larger shareholder is the Greek Orthodox Church, which holds around 80% of the Church of the Nativity.

© Getty Images

The Church of the Nativity is shared -

The rest is shared between the Roman Catholic Church and the Armenian Apostolic Church.

© Getty Images

The Church of the Nativity is shared -

The three churches follow the Status Quo instituted by the Ottoman Empire in 1852, which ensures everyone is able to conduct their services by following a schedule.

© Getty Images

Church of the Nativity fights -

Control over the church has been divided between the Greek Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Armenian Apostolic Churches over centuries, with some having been favored over the others, depending on the rulers at the time.

© Getty Images

Church of the Nativity fights -

Although the Status Quo helped settle these tensions, unfortunately things get out of hand occasionally. This is what happened in 2011 between Greek and Armenian monks.

© Getty Images

Church of the Nativity fights -

A fight broke out between the two groups on the borders of their respective areas. Essentially, "with each side accusing the other of encroaching on parts of the church to which it lays claim."

© Getty Images

The Magi saved Church of the Nativity -

The Church of the Nativity has suffered its fair share of damage over the centuries. In 641 CE, the Persian Empire invaded the Byzantine Empire's territories, which included Bethlehem. As they prepared to loot the Church of the Nativity, their commander, Shahrbaraz, came across something unexpected.

© Getty Images

The Magi saved the Church of the Nativity -

Shahrbaraz came across a mosaic depicting the Magi (also known as the Three Wise Men), who apparently were Persian Zoroastrian priests. As a result, he spared the church.

© Getty Images

Bethlehem's Christian population is decreasing -

In 1950, over 85% of Bethlehem's inhabitants were Christians of various denominations. This number has been decreasing considerably over the years.

© Getty Images

Bethlehem's Christian population is decreasing -

The number of Christians declined to 12% in 2016, and is likely lower currently.

© Getty Images

Bethlehem's Christian population is decreasing -

Pope Francis has also addressed this issue, saying, "We will not resign ourselves to imagining a Middle East without Christians."

© Getty Images

Christmas is celebrated three times in Bethlehem -

Bethlehem sees the birthday of Jesus being celebrated on different dates. The Gregorian calendar marks December 24-25 as the celebration dates. Roman Catholics famously celebrate the holiday on this date.

© Getty Images

Christmas is celebrated three times in Bethlehem -

The Revised Julian calendar has the Orthodox and Greek Catholic Churches celebrating Jesus' birthday on January 6-7.

© Getty Images

Christmas is celebrated three times in Bethlehem -

And then we have the Armenian Apostolic Church, which uses the old Julian solar calendar, with the holiday being celebrated on January 19.

© Getty Images

Bethlehem is famous for its dresses -

Bethlehem is known for its distinctive style of embroidery, that is often used in wedding dressings.

© Getty Images

Bethlehem is famous for its dresses -

The use of gold or silver thread on a base pattern creates a unique design, reminiscent of embroidered garments worn by Byzantine priests.

Sources: (Grunge) (The Washington Times)

See also: Exploring the fascinating history that is Jerusalem

© Getty Images