Caesarea is not just an archaeological dig, it is the story of a civilization that fluctuated between affluence and poverty. This story can be seen by the evidence of the impressive remains found within Caesarea National Park.

The city was first built in the Persian era (4th century BCE) as a trading station. In the Roman period Herod (30 BCE) decided to build a palace for himself within an artificial port city, one that did not have a natural bay. He named it Caesarea, in honor of Augustus Caesar who gave the territory to Herod as a gift. The port was one of the largest in the Middle East and the most sophisticated.  The port contributed greatly to the general stability of the city.

Caesarea reached the peak of its prosperity in the Roman-Byzantine period and the city became a large metropolis. It was the capital of the Province of Judea and had both a large Jewish community and Christian community residing there. The port was a major source of income for the city’s coffers, and when it ceased operation the city of Caesarea also underwent a significant negative transformation.

The Muslims and then the Crusaders each ruled the city for a period. Later the Mameluke Sultan conquered it. He was afraid that the Crusaders would​ reconquer the city so they methodically destroyed the coastal cities and ports. Caesarea was lost under the ruins. In the Ottoman period the place was deserted, and only at the end of the 19th century a small town was established by Muslims from Bosnia, that​ survived until 1948. Extensive excavations were conducted, both on land as well as under water, in the area of the submerged port to gather as much information about this fascinating place.

Throughout the park there are items from a number of periods, testimony to its past history. There are many interesting remnants of the days of glory in Caesarea. The earliest findings are attributed to the Herodian period. A luxurious villa was found in the city, beautiful mosaic floors, a Roman Theater, The Archeological Park, The Crusader Gate, The Port, The Reef Palace and the Sculpture Park are some of the highlights.

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Posted: September 12, 2017

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