Bet She'an (Scythopolis) Archeological Site
 
Bet She'an is strategically placed at the junction of the Jordan River Valley and the Jezreel Valley, thus controlling access from the interior to the coast. It was a major Roman and Byzantine City.
 

   


The Capital of the Greek Decapolis, Bet She'an was a fully "western" city in...
... Jesus' day. During the Davidic Kingdom, however, it was Jewish.
The extant remains date to the Hellenistic period, when it was called Scythopoli
One of the best preserved Amphitheaters from the Roman period can be found here.
The Tel which dominates the backdrop is far more ancient, however.
 
 
Roman version of a "sky box."
 
 
Mixed elements of restoration work, portions baked in the sun, and buried.
The "cardo" or main street of the Roman city.
Looking up the ancient Tel, containing un-excavated Cananite remains.
The steps in the Amphitheater are very steep.
 
The wooden stage is NOT original. Charred remains though show it was once wood.
 
 
 
 
 
The Public toilets as they would have looked in the Roman period ...
... and as they look today.
 
 
Steps leading from the baths up to the Amphitheater. Long way to walk ...
... to go potty in the second act.
 
This city had hot and cold running water ... with ceramic pipes. You can see...
... holes in the last photo and this where the pipes once ran through the baths.
 
 
 
 
 
In this photo you can see hints of what destroyed this city: an earthquake.
 
More earthquake evidence ... the wall fell right over, arches intact.
 
 
 
 
 
So much of this city remains to be excavated.
Steps leading to the imperial temple.
 
 
 
Plastered walls with greek script still visible.
More evidence of what destroyed this city. Collapsed columns are to ...
... be seen all over the place.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Looking down "mainstreet."
 
Scythopolis was an amazing city in its day, and well worth the visit today.