originally a stronghold captured by David (the 2nd king of the Israelites); above it was built a temple and later the name extended to the whole hill; finally it became a synonym for the city of Jerusalem; the inhabitants of Jerusalem are personified as `the daughter of Zion
Jewish republic in southwestern Asia at eastern end of Mediterranean; formerly part of Palestine
[ Syn: israel , state of israel , yisrael , zion , sion ]
an imaginary place considered to be perfect or ideal