Nablus is one of the oldest cities in the world, possibly first established 9000 years ago. It was originally called "Shechem" by its Canaanite inhabitants. The Romans built a new city (Flavia Neapolis, in honor of Flavius Vespasian) a short distance from Shechem. The name Nablus comes from Neapolis. The old city of Nablus is located on the site of Neapolis, but in modern times the city has grown to include the site of Shechem as well.
Nablus is distinguished by its location in a narrow valley between the two mountains Gerizim and Ebal.
During the Ottoman rule, Nablus suffered, like other cities of the Middle East, from the retarded state of education. Schools were first established in the middle of the 19th century during the short reign of Ibrahim Pasha, but maintained their existence in the following years when the Ottomans regained control of the region. On 11 July 1927 the town suffered a major earthquake. Much of the consequent damage to buildings was never repaired, and the ruinous condition of many of them may well have encouraged the inhabitants to move outside the old city to build their new houses, although some new building to the north and west of the old city had already been undertaken before 1927. The arrival of the motor car has increased emigration to the slopes of Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal, where new roads allow vehicles the easy access denied them in the hilly and partly stepped streets of the old city.
During the British Mandate (1918-1948), Nablus became the core of Palestinian Nationalism, and it was the center of resistance against the British. After the 1948 Arab-Israeli war Nablus came under Jordanian authority, and 2 refugee camps were built near the city. In 1967, Nablus was occupied by the Israeli army, the occupation damaged the infrastructure of the city. The hard years of the occupation caused much damage to the city, 3 refugee camps were added to accommodate the people who fled to the city.
Service taxis are easily found to Nablus from all major west bank transportation centres including Ramallah (20 shekels), Jenin (20 shekels), Tulkarem, and other cities. Coming from the North (Jenin) there are no permanent checkpoints (May 2008) and getting into Nablus town is Hassle-free. Coming from the South, you will probably enter the town via the Huwwara checkpoint, permanently controlled by the Israeli army. Getting in 'the prison' on foot is relatively easy as checks are focused on people leaving the city and cars (both ways). One would typically be dropped off at the check point, walk through it and take a taxi at the other side into town. The main obstacle is a revolving gate that is pretty narrow, especially when carrying luggage (assist elderly people here who have often trouble crossing). Leaving Nablus through the Huwwara checkpoint on foot is more complicated and the process on average takes half an hour. Women undergo less security in the rightmost queue and as a foreigner one might try this row as well. The time of this process depends on the attitude and the mood of the Israeli armyman. If you carry bulky luggage, this will be Rx scanned in a portable scanner across the road. The military will keep your passport whilst you have your bags screened. Walk through and look for a taxi or servicetaxi to your destination. The occupation forces are not to be messed with. Strictly obey orders (even though many of them speak badly English). People get shot and killed here on a monthly basis!
Joseph's Tomb in the eastern part of the city is a Muslim and Jewish holy site; however, due to political tensions you may not be able to visit.
Joseph's tomb on 1 March 2008 has part of the roof destroyed and has been burnt out. Of the two Palestinian guards, one spoke English, and advised that photos could not be taken without a permission, this he obtained by radio. It was sad to see one of the supposed sites of the Abrahamic faiths in such a bad state.