We've been working on whether we can improve our AI summarization tool, to make the summaries a bit less wooden. We'd value your feedback on what is preferable.
Example 1: The article on "Jerusalem" in AYBD
Current tool
The text provides a comprehensive overview of the history, archaeology, and theology of Jerusalem, describing the city’s rediscovery, background, and development across different eras.
The introduction highlights the complexities of studying Jerusalem due to its continuous habitation, lack of extensive archaeological records, and controversial interpretations of existing sources. The subsequent sections detail the city’s rediscovery in the 19th and 20th centuries and the intense excavations since its reunification in 1967.
The background section explores the various names associated with Jerusalem, its geography and topography, early settlement, and demographic and economic aspects. The United Kingdom section focuses on the reigns of David and Solomon, emphasizing Jerusalem’s political and religious significance.
The text then discusses the divided kingdom period, followed by the Second Temple period, covering the Persian, Hellenistic, Hasmonean, Herodian, and Roman eras. Each period’s political, religious, and architectural developments are outlined, including significant events and structures.
The post-biblical period encompasses Jerusalem’s evolution under Roman, Byzantine, Early Arab, Crusader, Later Arab, and Ottoman rule. The theological significance of Jerusalem in the Old and New Testaments is also explored, highlighting its central role in biblical narratives and apocalyptic literature.
Finally, the bibliography provides an extensive list of resources for further study, making the text a valuable reference for understanding Jerusalem’s rich and complex history, archaeology, and theological importance.
Possible improvement
Jerusalem, a sacred site for three monotheistic religions, presents many historical and archaeological uncertainties due to its continuous habitation and complex topography. Its rediscovery began in the 19th century with explorers like E. Robinson, who made significant discoveries, such as Hezekiah’s tunnel. The 20th century saw improved archaeological methods and major excavations, while the 1967 reunification led to intensive Israeli archaeological work. Jerusalem’s ancient names, such as Salem and Zion, reflect its theological significance. Its settlement began on the eastern hill, with the City of David occupying 10 to 15 acres. Through the ages, the city’s size and population grew, reaching its peak under Herod the Great, who embarked on ambitious building projects, including the Temple.
The city’s history is marked by periods of prosperity and decline, each leaving its mark on the topography and architecture. The United Kingdom under David and Solomon, the Divided Kingdom, the Second Temple Period with its Hellenistic and Hasmonean eras, and the Roman Period, all shaped Jerusalem’s development. The post-biblical periods, including Byzantine, Early Arab, Crusader, and Ottoman rule, witnessed continued construction and changes in the city’s religious landscape.
Theological reflections on Jerusalem in the Old Testament highlight its holiness and divine presence, while in the New Testament, it holds a special significance in the ministry of Jesus and the early church. The city’s complex history and its central role in Judaism and Christianity have fuels decades of archaeological exploration, contributing to our understanding of Jerusalem’s past.
