What was Jerusalem called before?

Jerusalem, one of the oldest cities in the world, has been known by various names throughout its long and storied history. It is a city that holds immense significance for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, and its name has evolved over time to reflect its changing cultural and religious importance. Before the name "Jerusalem" was widely used, the city was known by several other names, reflecting the different cultures and peoples who inhabited or ruled the region. One of the earliest known names for the city was "Urusalim", which is believed to have been used by the Jebusites, a Canaanite tribe that inhabited the city around the 3rd millennium BCE. The name "Urusalim" is thought to have been derived from the Canaanite words "uru" (meaning "city") and "salim" (meaning "peace" or "abundance"), which together could be translated as "City of Peace" or "City of Abundance." Another name that is often associated with Jerusalem is "Salem", which is mentioned in the Hebrew Bible and is believed to be a reference to the city. As you mentioned, Psalm 76:2 uses "Salem" as a parallel for "Zion", which is another name for Jerusalem. The name "Salem" is also associated with the Canaanite god of dusk, Shalem, which could suggest a connection between the city's early name and its religious significance. However, it's important to note that the exact relationship between the city's name and the deity is a subject of scholarly debate and may not be definitively proven. In addition to these names, Jerusalem has also been referred to by other names in various languages and cultures. For example, in the Roman period, the city was known as "Aelia Capitolina", named after the Roman emperor Hadrian who rebuilt it after the Jewish revolt in 135 CE. The city was also known as "Yerushalayim" in Hebrew, "Al-Quds" in Arabic, and "Ierousalimos" in Greek, among other names. Throughout its history, Jerusalem has been a focal point of religious and political conflict, and its name has often been a source of contention and debate. Despite these challenges, the city remains a symbol of faith and a place of pilgrimage for millions of people around the world.

That the name Salem refers to Jerusalem is evidenced by Psalm 76:2 which uses "Salem" as a parallel for "Zion", the citadel of Jerusalem. The same identification is made by Josephus and the Aramaic translations of the Bible. Shalem was the Canaanite god of dusk, sunset, and the end of the day, also spelled Shalim.