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Caesarea
Caesarea is the city Herod the Great dedicated to Caesar Augustus more than 2,000
years ago. Today it is a fast-growing coastal resort and one of Israel’s major tourist
destinations, attracting history lovers from around the world. Caesarea is also
one of the top archeological sites in the country. The Roman city was built in 22
BC over the site of a Phoenician port and was home to the Roman governors of Judea,
making it the local Roman capital.
Today it boasts the Roman remains of an aqueduct, hippodrome and amphitheatre. The
hippodrome is now a rectangular ploughed field; however, you can still see what
was once an arena capable of holding 20,000 spectators for chariot races. The amphitheater
is a venue still very much in use, frequently staging concerts. The structure offers
visitors a rare chance to appreciate the Romans’ building expertise and enjoy an
important relic of their Empire. The aqueduct, near the sea, was built in the 2nd
century and carried water from mountain springs to Caesarea. Also on view are Emperor
Hadrian’s statue and two white, headless marble statues, thought to be of two Roman
emperors, though of whom no one is certain.
To visit the Crusader city, surrounded by walls and open only to the sea, you enter
through the East gate, built in the 12th century. In 1101 the Crusaders discovered
what they believed to be the Holy Grail. Other sights: the church built over Caesar’s
temple, and the mosque constructed by the Turks in the 19th century. There are also
many shops and restaurants offering present-day entertainment.
Caesarea, the Roman capital of Israel.
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