7/25: Caesarea

Lalie and Hila

Hila likes this picture better (Lalie doesn't care)

Caesarea, about an hour up the coast from Tel Aviv

The first records of a settlement at this location was during the Persian rule (536-332 BCE). The village flourished during the Hellenistic period (332-37 BCE). In 30 BCE the village was awarded to Herod, who built a beautiful Roman city here.

Caesarea was a planned Roman city. It took 12 years to build, complete with a theatre, Hippodrome, bath complex, and of course, a grand palace for Herod. the most impressive aspect of the city was its artificial harbor, a man made breakwater jutting 400 meters into the sea (it collapsed from an earthquake during the Roman period).

The village was transformed into a a great commercial center, and became the head of the Roman government of Palestine.

Mosaic tile floor, remains from the Roman period

This is the most ancient of all the theatres found in Israel. Built 2000 years ago, it could seat 4,000 spectators (It is still used today for concerts). Towards the end of the byzantine period, the theatre was converted into a castle, and was deserted after the Arab conquest.

There is something appealing about the Roman pillar laying in the surf, and the power plant chimneys in the distance being the same shape.

Caesarea continued to grow during the Byzantine period, but lost its political and economic significance after the Arab conquest of 640 CE. In 1101 CE Caesarea was conquered by the Crusaders, and was refortified in 1251 during the crusade of King Louis IX of France. In 1265 it was conquered by the Malemukes, and was then destroyed and deserted. It was not until the 19th century that the Ottoman authorities began the renovation of Caesarea.

Hila and I

Lunch in a town not far from Caesarea. These 16 dishes coae automatically, and do not even include the roasted eggplant with tahini, or the chicken Shewarma that we ordered. It was quite a feast that we just happened upon.