Ancient Port of Caesarea Damaged by Storm

Caesarea Martima (distinct from Caesarea Phillipi which was further inland) is an ancient port city in Israel just south of the Carmel Range (where Elijah had it out with the prophets of Baal in I Ki. 18). Caesarea was built from 22BC - 10 BC and dedicated in 9 BC in honor of Caesar Augustus (as the name suggests). Herod the Great is known for his building projects and architecture seen at the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, Herodium, Masada, and his winter palace at Jericho, among others. At Caesarea, he used an incredible underwater cement technology to create a port city in an area where there was otherwise little sea access available.

Unlike other near eastern cities, it was very Greek in character with an amphitheater, aqueduct, and hippodrome (pictured below). It became a political capital for Rome in Judea, and we have found the only extrabiblical mention of Pontius Pilate on a stone slab in Caesarea. This suggests that Pilate and other important officials resided here. Pilate happened to be in Jerusalem for Jesus' trial due to the massive amounts of people who come to the city for Passover. Religious revolts were common around holy days, and it would have been important for Pilate to be there in the event that things got out of control.

Due to its gentile character, Caesarea was a disgusting place to the Jews. For example, there was a statue of Dionysius, the Roman god of excess outside the theater (see below). Because of this, the rabbis called it "the daughter of Edom." Caesarea was ultimately the place where the First Jewish Revolt against Rome would start in 67 AD after 20,000 Jews were slaughtered over a dispute about entrance into the synagogue.

The city is rich with Biblical significance, especially in the book of Acts. Peter was told to go to Caesarea after his vision of the unlcean animals in chapter 11, a geographical symbol of God's movement toward the gentiles. Likewise, Philip would have continued on the road northward to preach the gospel here after baptizing the Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8). Paul was also imprisoned here before he was taken to Rome. A number of church fathers were also from Caesarea (Origen, etc.).

Unfortunately, a recent major storm has damaged parts of this important city and nearby aqueduct (pictured several posts back). This is a major concern for Israel, since it is a tourist attraction with over 1 million visitors annually. You can read about the storm and damage further here.


Pagan statue outside the theater


The foundations from Herod's palace at Caesarea.


The inside of the theater. Herod Agrippa (son of Herod the Great) died here. There is a biblical account in Acts 12:19 and parallel in Josephus. The theater could hold around 4000 people.


A replica of the famous Pontius Pilate inscription. Even if you don't know Latin, it's easy enough to make out.