Caesarea: History, Museums, Photos, Reviews

Caesarea is a small town in the Mediterranean region. It is located near the bays formed by the Hadera River and the Crocodile Creek. It has a well-developed infrastructure and a famous industrial park, which is home to Israel's leading biotech and high-tech companies.

Medical equipment is also produced here. In addition, Caesarea is famous for its National Park in the form of an ancient city, where different times and eras are combined. The area of modern Caesarea is about 35 km2. Many tourists come here to visit the National Park and learn about the historical past of these places.

Industrial Park

The modern city was founded in 1977. The local industrial park is one of the largest and most advanced in the country. Here they protect the environment, are engaged in the production of environmentally friendly and high-tech products according to international standards.

The land in the industrial park belongs to the Edmond Benjamin de Rothschild Corporation. It is leased by various companies. This place is created as a unique campus, which employs about 180 companies in Israel. Tel Aviv and Haifa are not far from this industrial park. It can be said that with the employment of local residents in Caesarea, the question of employment is closed.

Quiet resort with a historical bent

The city is also known for its beautiful beaches, where you can spend a pleasant time in a relaxed atmosphere. Caesarea is not a bustling resort. There are numerous hotels, restaurants and stores in the main streets of the city.

Caesarea is the National Park

But the main attraction of Caesarea is the National Park. King Herod built the ancient port here. Tel Aviv is forty kilometers away from it. Tourists take several routes on a tour of the National Park. A quick look at the place can be accomplished in a couple of hours, and to see the many historical and archaeological sites will require a six hour tour.

History of Caesarea

When these lands belonged to the Persians, the Phoenicians began building a small settlement here. The first written mention of it dates from 259 B.C. At that time it was called Straton's Tower. In 103 BC the area became part of the Kingdom of Hasmonea and in 143 BC it was taken by the Romans.

History of Caesarea

King Herod received this land as a gift from Caesar Augustus and began building a beautiful city, which he named Caesarea. In this way he immortalized the Emperor Octavian Augustus. Some of the structures from that time can still be seen here in good condition. This is true of the two-tiered theater with four thousand seats. It has been restored. Nowadays it is used for plays and concerts.

Disappeared structures

In the amphitheater, 50 meters wide and 250 meters long, chariots and other competitions were held. It originally had a seating capacity of ten thousand people. A royal box was built on the side. From it Herod could watch the sharpest moments of the races, which were connected with the turns of the chariots.

Caesarea was known for the grandiose "Palace on the Reef" and the temple dedicated to Augustus and Rome

The second amphitheater was used for animal and gladiatorial fights. The second amphitheater hosted animal and gladiatorial fights.
Also ancient Caesarea was known for the grandiose "Palace on the Reef" and the temple dedicated to Augustus and Rome, but these structures have not survived to this day.

Underwater Museum

To provide water communication with the capital of the Roman Empire, the king planned the construction of a port, where there were warehouses, docks and a lighthouse. Later the entire port area went under water and was later found and explored by archaeologists. In 1993, an underwater museum and diving school were opened here.
On the territory of the National Park are perfectly preserved ancient public baths, which are decorated with mosaics. They were built in the Byzantine period.

Pontius Pilate

When the Jewish revolt was suppressed in the city, Caesarea became a Roman province ruled by a procurator. Historians speculate that Pontius Pilate may well have visited the city at that time. A limestone slab with a dedication to Tiberius and the signature "Pontius Pilate, Prefect of Judea" engraved on it bears witness to this. This is the only tangible evidence that this historical character actually existed.

Ancient Aqueduct

The northern part of Caesarea is the site of a well-preserved ancient aqueduct that served to supply water to the city's population. Jews often rest here, enjoying the picturesque scenery, wine, and cheese.

The destruction and rebuilding of Caesarea

In 1101 Caesarea was conquered by the Crusaders, after which it was ruled by Sultan Saladin and then again by the Crusaders. Under the Crusaders, the work of the port was resumed and the construction of the temple where, according to legend, the Holy Grail was kept. In 1265 the Mamelukes conquered the city and destroyed and sacked Caesarea before abandoning it.

The destruction and rebuilding of Caesarea

Until the twentieth century there were only ruins here, and then the Turks settled the city by Bosnian refugees who began to rebuild it. On the site of ancient Caesarea was later created a national park, which impresses with its attractions. People also come here for beach vacations and to indulge in Israeli cuisine. The southern port side is equipped with a paid beach, and next to the upper aqueduct you can relax on the public beach area.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

en_USEnglish
Close