Caesarea

On our first day we set out from Tel Aviv north along the coast to visit the Roman Provincial Capital of Caesarea, where Paul made his defense before Porcius Festus (Acts 25-26).

Upon arrival at the archeological site the first place you visit ... ... is the Roman Amphitheater. It's amazing how something so ancient -- over 2000 years old -- can look ... ... so modern! Leaving the amphitheater, we walked over a hill to the shore, where ... ... the Governor's palace and the ancient deep-water port are to be found. The Governor's palace foundations. This deep water port could service the whole Eastern Roman Fleet. An extra-biblical proof of the historical existence of Pontius Pilate ... ... was discovered at the archeological dig here. The Circus, where Horse Races and other games were held. A Byzantine Church was built on this site The remains of the Priest's altar. the restored Apse The original mosaic floor in the Church's nave Headless Emperor The excavations here are still underway. The Crusader fortress. The vaulted ceilings, still intact after a thousand years. They just picked up stones from all over the place ... ... and used them to build their foundations. More extensive crusader ruins. The Muslims built a masque here. The harbor pier was filled in to make a park. The pier ruins. The Roman era aqueduct, still largely intact. It carried water in to Caesarea from Mt. Carmel. It remained in operation for centuries after the Roman era.