Caesarea - Fri., 4/4/08

Our first stop of the day was the ancient ruins of Caesarea. The city was originally built between 900-600 BC but Herod the Great built much of it in the decades just prior to the birth of Christ. We started out at the theater Herod built in 10 BC. Much of what remains is original from that time period but some elements such as railing and the blue seating were obviously added just recently. Our guide explained this was a theatre, not an amphitheatre. It was only a half circle facing a stage and three story tall backdrop and would have been used for operas and acting. Indeed, it is still used as such today. All other theatres that remain from the ancient world face the north; however, this one faces west. Although at that time you would have been unable to see the fabulous view of the Mediterranean Sea as we could today, the theatre faced the west for the cooling breezes blowing in off of the sea waters.

We opened the day in the theater with praise and worship songs to the Lord. Joel proceeded with verses and teaching from the story of Paul’s trial in Acts 23:23-26:32.


After leaving the theatre, we headed north thru the gate leading to Herod's palace and viewed the sea from there. Across from his palace was a cellar which is thought to be where Paul spent time in prison. Acts tells us that Paul was imprisoned in Herod's palace and the cellar would be a likely location. On to the north was the Hippodrome, which is an actual amphitheater in that it is a complete oval shape. This was where they had the chariot races and gladiators would have fought. In Jimmy's lingo, on turn four of Caesarea Raceway, was the VIP seating area for when Caesar or other leaders would visit. Here they would sit for an excellent view of the carnage as the chariots would come tearing around the tight corners.

We then walked along the front stretch of the hippodrome along the ocean with the waves crashing against the wall. Af the end of the path were domed archways that were 20 ft tall by 80 feet deep. These where used for warehouses and storage.

The last part of Herod's buildings was the incredible harbor he built far out into the ocean. He poured lava ash into the sea and when it reacted with the water it formed a concrete like material. Layer was poured upon layer until eventually he could build buildings and islands out into the ocean. In the following picture you can see the pier that remains far out in the water. This was approximately 1/3 of the way out from the original structure. During the time of Christ, Paul, and Peter it would have extended out much further. The original harbor was massive considering it was built on man made islands.

As we continued walking north along the beach we left the Roman part of the city and Herod's buildings and into the Byzantine era. The Byzantines ruled from 300-600 AD and were followed by the Muslims who controlled the area from about 600-1000 AD. The most northern part of the city was built by the Crusaders from about 1100-1300 AD. It was interesting to note the subtle changes in architecture as we walked through areas built by different empires. You can see in this picture of the ceiling of the Crusader's Gate the introduction of pointed arches.

And, just so you all can see, here's one more shot of the Mediterranean before we head inland and start staying on the Sea of Galilee...