Caesarea

Caesarea National Park extends from the Roman theatre in the south to the crusader city in the north. It includes the Byzantine square, the Herodian amphitheatre, promontory palace, a bathhouse, a network of streets, the synagogue, Hippodrome, Aqueduct and more.

We visited this wonderful ancient port city last Wednesday but because it was the start of another sabbath because of Sukkot, we were unable to go in and spend as much time we would have liked. So we just went onto the beach and picked shells, enjoying the sunshine and soothing waves. Yesterday, we went back again to tour the area and it turned out to be quite a stormy day with rain, wind and a magnificent rainbow…. probably the most beautiful one I have ever seen. (of course we are in Israel after all). The sky was vibrant with clouds that formed above the ocean! It was the most rain we have seen since we arrived. Situated around the harbour, many restaurants sat welcoming hungry customers. We had lunch at the 'Port cafe' which overlooked the water and served mediterranean Israeli food. I continue to be amazed by all the meals we have had here and how healthy they are!

The Hippodrome was built in the 2nd century and could seat about 30,000 spectators. It was 450 m long and 90 m wide. This is where the chariot racing was held along with many other sporting events at the expense of the lives of people and animals. 

The Bathhouse complete with exquisite mosaics.

The seat where the spectators would have been in the Hippodrome.

Anyone able to guess what these stones were used for?

Maybe Isaac's face will give it away!

The magnificent Roman Amphitheatre, still intact and dating back to the 2nd century. It was used for gladiatorial and animal combats.

'The rainbow shall be in the cloud, and I will look on it to remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth'

Genesis 9:16

Since Caesarea had no rivers or springs, drinking water was brought via a water carrier called an aqueduct. Last year, we studied them in school for our Ancient Romans class so it was fun to see one in person.

The following pictures were taken last week when we visited. 

The bride and Groom have their pictures taken before the wedding which means that he sees her dress. Apparently wedding are very expensive here. Caesarea is a beautiful location for photographs.

Gathering shells from the beach.

Isaac and Caleb climbed to the top of the ruins of this tower. 

Another perfect day here in Israel!