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Caesarea

Caesarea Maritima was an ancient port city constructed by Herod the Great on the Mediterranean coast of present-day Israel between approximately 22 and 10 BCE, transforming the modest Hellenistic site of Straton's Tower into a monumental urban center exemplifying Roman engineering prowess.^[1]^[2] Named in honor of the Roman emperor Augustus Caesar, the city featured the massive artificial harbor of Sebastos—one of the largest and most advanced of its era—built using hydraulic concrete and breakwaters to create a deep-water anchorage capable of sheltering over 300 ships, which underpinned its rapid emergence as a vital commercial nexus for grain, luxury goods, and maritime trade across the eastern Mediterranean.^[3]^[4] As the administrative capital of Roman Judea from the time of Herod's successors, Caesarea functioned as the provincial headquarters for Roman prefects, including Pontius Pilate, and later as a military base for legions suppressing the Jewish revolts of 66–73 CE, where Vespasian was proclaimed emperor in 69 CE.^[5]^[6] The city's infrastructure included a grid-planned urban layout with aqueducts, theaters, hippodromes, temples, and palaces, reflecting Herod's ambition to integrate Jewish, Greek, and Roman architectural traditions while fostering economic prosperity through taxation and port revenues that supported imperial infrastructure projects.^[2]^[4] Beyond its economic and political roles, Caesarea's strategic location made it a flashpoint in subsequent conflicts, including Byzantine defenses, Arab conquests in the 7th century CE, and Crusader fortifications in the 12th century, before its gradual abandonment amid silting harbors and shifting trade routes; today, it stands as a major archaeological park yielding artifacts that illuminate Herodian construction techniques and Roman provincial administration.^[5]^[7]

Caesarea Maritima

Founding and Herodian Construction

Caesarea Maritima was founded by Herod the Great between 22 and 10 BCE on the site of Strato's Tower, a modest Phoenician settlement that previously served as a minor port.^[8]^[9] The project aimed to create a major Mediterranean harbor and administrative center for Herod's kingdom, bolstering Roman trade, military projection, and imperial loyalty in Judea.^[8]^[9] Named Caesarea after the emperor Augustus—whose Greek title Sebastos designated the harbor—the city supplanted Jerusalem as the provincial capital under subsequent Roman procurators.^[8] Herod orchestrated the construction by assembling international experts in architecture and engineering from Rome, Greece, and Egypt, completing the core infrastructure within roughly twelve years despite the site's challenging coastal geology of shifting sands and kurkar ridges.^[10] The centerpiece was the Sebastos harbor, the largest artificial deep-water port built in open sea up to that era, enclosing about 40 acres of sheltered anchorage with dual breakwaters extending over 900 meters.^[9]^[10] Engineers deployed innovative hydraulic lime concrete, poured into wooden molds directly underwater, to bind massive limestone blocks—some exceeding 50 tons—forming a curved, wave-resistant structure that withstood Mediterranean storms.^[9] Entrance towers rose to heights of at least 18 meters, augmented by navigation aids like ropes and pilot vessels for safe docking of up to 300 ships.^[9] Complementary urban features emphasized grandeur and functionality: a promontory palace complex measured 80 by 55 meters at its base, incorporating a 35-by-18-meter freshwater pool for leisure amid sea views.^[9] A temple to Augustus and Roma stood 29 by 46 meters, reaching approximately 30 meters in height atop a 100-by-90-meter platform hewn from bedrock.^[9]^[8] The orthogonal street grid featured the 16-meter-wide Cardo Maximus, stretching 1.6 kilometers and flanked by roughly 700 columns supporting porticoes.^[9] A 10-kilometer elevated aqueduct channeled water from Shuni Springs, enabling public baths, fountains, and population support without local sources.^[9] Recreational venues included a theater accommodating around 4,000 spectators, positioned 1 kilometer south of the harbor, and an amphitheater for quinquennial games, reflecting Herod's emulation of Hellenistic and Roman civic models.^[9] These elements collectively transformed a peripheral coastal outpost into a fortified, self-sustaining metropolis, with walls, warehouses, and markets facilitating grain imports and export of regional goods like dates and balsam.^[9] The scale and ambition of the build, reliant on corvée labor and imported materials, underscored Herod's strategic alignment with Rome while asserting personal legacy through monumental permanence.^[10]

Roman and Early Christian Periods

Following the deposition of Herod Archelaus in 6 CE, Caesarea Maritima became the administrative capital and primary residence of Roman prefects and procurators governing the province of Judea.^[11] The city's strategic harbor and infrastructure facilitated governance, with the Herodian palace adapted as the praetorium for officials and the headquarters of the X Fretensis Legion.^[12] Archaeological evidence, including expanded military structures and administrative inscriptions, underscores its role as a Roman administrative hub rather than a Jewish religious center like Jerusalem.^[11] Pontius Pilate served as prefect from 26 to 36 CE, residing primarily in Caesarea during non-festival periods in Jerusalem.^[13] A key artifact confirming his tenure is a 1961 limestone inscription (82 cm × 65 cm) from Caesarea, reading "[Pon]tius Pilatus, [Praef]ectus Iuda[ea]e, [fe]cit dd[icavit]," dedicating a temple (Tiberieum) to Emperor Tiberius on behalf of the Caesarean populace.^[13] During the First Jewish-Roman War (66–73 CE), the city endured sieges amid ethnic clashes between its Jewish, Samaritan, and Greco-Roman populations; in July 69 CE, legions there proclaimed Vespasian emperor, elevating Caesarea to colonial status (Colonia Prima Flavia Caesariensis) by 71/72 CE.^[14]^[12] Caesarea emerged as an early center of Christianity from the 1st century CE, as recounted in New Testament accounts corroborated by later patristic sources.^[11] The conversion of centurion Cornelius of the Italian Cohort—described in Acts 10 as a God-fearing Gentile whose household received the Holy Spirit through Peter's preaching—occurred around the 30s CE, signifying the faith's initial expansion beyond Judaism.^[6] Evangelist Philip resided there with his prophetess daughters (Acts 21:8–11), and the Apostle Paul was imprisoned circa 57–59 CE, defending himself before procurator Festus and King Agrippa II prior to appeal to Rome (Acts 23–26).^[6] By the late 2nd century, Caesarea hosted Bishop Theophilus, whose diocese encompassed Jerusalem, evidencing organized Christian communities amid a diverse populace.^[6] A local council in 195 CE established Easter's observance on Sunday, reflecting doctrinal consolidation.^[6] Archaeological traces include potential house-churches and inscriptions, though major basilicas postdate this era; the city's Greco-Roman ethos and Roman military presence likely accelerated Christianity's appeal among Gentiles while exposing believers to periodic imperial scrutiny.^[11]

Byzantine and Early Islamic Eras

During the Byzantine era, Caesarea Maritima functioned as the metropolitan see of Palaestina Prima, emerging as a key ecclesiastical and administrative hub within the Eastern Roman Empire following the Christianization of the region in the 4th century CE.^[15] The city, which had recovered from earlier disruptions, hosted prominent theological figures and institutions, underscoring its role in early Christian scholarship and governance. By the 5th century, the site of Herod's temple to Roma and Augustus was dismantled around 425 CE, paving the way for the construction of a large octagonal church in the late 5th century, measuring approximately 39 meters in diameter with a raised bema platform added later; this structure, built on kurkar bedrock foundations, is interpreted by archaeologists as a possible martyr shrine linked to the biblical centurion Cornelius.^[8] Caesarea's urban extent expanded, at times surpassing Jerusalem in scale, supported by its strategic harbor and provincial prominence.^[16] The city endured significant upheaval in 614 CE when Persian forces under Khosrow II sacked it during their invasion of the Levant, causing widespread destruction evidenced by archaeological layers of burning and abandonment; Byzantine Emperor Heraclius recaptured and rebuilt the site by 628 CE, restoring its defenses and infrastructure.^[17] Procopius of Caesarea, a 6th-century native historian and advisor to Justinian I, documented aspects of imperial military efforts in the region, reflecting the city's enduring intellectual vitality amid these conflicts.^[18] Caesarea fell to the Rashidun Caliphate in 641 CE after a siege lasting roughly three years, marking the culmination of Muslim campaigns in the Levant and ending Byzantine control.^[8] Historical accounts, corroborated by excavation layers of destruction and transition, indicate that while the conquest disrupted elite Byzantine structures, a substantial Christian population persisted, with the octagonal church remaining in use until its collapse in the major earthquake of 749 CE.^[8] Early Islamic occupation featured repurposed spaces, including residences, cesspits, wells, and storage facilities erected atop the Temple Platform, suggesting continued economic activity and adaptation rather than immediate depopulation.^[8] Islamic sources describe the city, known as Qaysariya, as a ribāṭ—a fortified outpost blending military, religious, and commercial functions—highlighting its transitional role in the Umayyad era before gradual decline set in.^[16]

Decline, Rediscovery, and Archaeological Excavations

Following the recapture of Caesarea by Mamluk forces under Sultan Baybars in March 1265 CE, the city was systematically razed to eliminate its potential as a Crusader base, marking the onset of its final abandonment as a major settlement.^[8] This destruction involved dismantling fortifications and structures, after which the population dispersed, and the site saw only sporadic, minor occupation in the subsequent Mamluk and Ottoman periods.^[19] Earlier setbacks, including the 749 CE earthquake—estimated at magnitude 7.7 on the Dead Sea Transform fault—generated a tsunami that deposited marine sediments up to 2 meters thick across low-lying areas, damaging warehouses and public buildings, though the city partially rebuilt under Abbasid rule before Crusader refortification in the 12th century.^[20] Post-1265, seismic events like the 1293 CE earthquake further collapsed remnants, while the 1752 CE Galilee quake exacerbated coastal erosion, reducing visible architecture to scattered ruins used as a local quarry for lime and stone until the 19th century.^[21] The site's ancient identity persisted in historical texts and was intermittently visited by medieval pilgrims and Ottoman officials, but its full extent and significance faded from scholarly focus amid regional instability. European explorers, including Victor Guérin in the 1870s, conducted initial surveys identifying Roman-era columns and mosaics, sparking interest in its Herodian origins, though these efforts were limited to surface collections without systematic trenching.^[22] True rediscovery accelerated in the early 20th century through Mandate-era mappings, which correlated ruins with Josephus's descriptions of Herod's port, setting the stage for post-1948 archaeological priorities amid Israel's nation-building emphasis on biblical and Roman heritage sites. Modern excavations commenced in the 1950s with the Joint Expedition to Caesarea Maritima (JECM), a U.S.-Israeli collaboration under directors like Robert J. Bull, targeting terrestrial and harbor zones to document stratified remains from Hellenistic to Crusader layers.^[23] Seasons from 1956 to the 1960s uncovered a 6th-century CE Byzantine synagogue, Crusader moats, and an Early Islamic industrial quarter, confirming multi-phase occupation via pottery and numismatics.^[11] In 1962, Hebrew University teams, led by Michael Avi-Yonah, recovered fragments of a 1st-century CE inscription mentioning Pilate, affirming New Testament-era administration.^[24] Subsequent JECM efforts in the 1970s–1980s, including 1973 discovery of a Mithraeum in Herodian warehouses, and the 1980–1985 Caesarea Ancient Harbour Excavation Project, mapped submerged breakwaters using geophysical surveys, revealing Herod's hydraulic concrete and tsunami silt layers.^[25] Ongoing work by the Israel Antiquities Authority and university consortia, such as the Combined Caesarea Project since the 1990s, employs integrated land-underwater methods, yielding over 2,000 coins and revised chronologies for Byzantine economic shifts, with annual seasons prioritizing conservation amid tourism pressures.^[26]

Engineering Achievements and Architectural Features

Herod the Great's construction of the artificial harbor known as Sebastos between approximately 23 and 15 BCE represented one of the most ambitious engineering feats of the ancient world, creating the largest protected anchorage in the open sea up to that time on a coastline lacking natural shelter.^[10] The project utilized hydraulic concrete, incorporating imported pozzolana from Pozzuoli in Italy—estimated at 52,000 tons—mixed with lime and local kurkar sandstone to form approximately 35,000 cubic meters of underwater-setting material.^[10] Engineers employed innovative formwork techniques, including double-walled wooden boxes up to 11 by 15 by 4 meters towed into position and partially filled onshore, enabling the placement of massive blocks and the extension of breakwaters enclosing about 40 acres of water surface; the southern breakwater, more exposed to waves, featured reinforced curtain walls 9 meters high topped by towers reaching 18 meters.^[10]^[9] A lighthouse at the entrance facilitated navigation, while the harbor's multi-basin design included an outer sea basin and inner protected areas, supporting trade and naval operations critical to Roman provincial administration.^[9] The city's water supply system further demonstrated Herodian ingenuity through a high-level aqueduct extending roughly 10 kilometers from springs near Shuni to the northeast, constructed with roughly cut stones bound by grey lime mortar and plastered for waterproofing; this structure, the largest aqueduct in ancient Judea, included sections elevated on arches in low-lying areas and was later expanded under Hadrian around 130 CE with a parallel 9.6-kilometer tunnel and additional channels.^[27]^[9] A secondary low-level aqueduct, about 7 kilometers long from the Nahal Taninim River, supplemented supply into later periods, underscoring the causal role of reliable freshwater in sustaining urban density and agriculture on the arid coastal plain.^[9] Architectural features included entertainment complexes integral to Roman urban design, such as the Herodian theater located 1 kilometer south of the harbor, seating approximately 4,000 spectators in a semicircular cavea without a podium wall, adapted for dramatic performances and later repairs.^[9] Adjacent was the hippodrome, also initiated by Herod and measuring around 457 meters in length by 76 meters in width, capable of accommodating up to 38,000 for chariot races, with starting gates (carceres) and porticoes reflecting multipurpose functionality before 2nd-century reconstructions.^[9] The promontory palace extended into the sea on a platform with a lower level 80 by 55 meters and an upper courtyard 64 by 42 meters, featuring freshwater pools and defensive elements, while the cardo maximus—a 16-meter-wide colonnaded street spanning 1.6 kilometers with 700 columns—organized the grid-plan city, complemented by a robust sewer system 3 meters wide and deep to manage drainage.^[9] A temple to Augustus and Roma, measuring 29 by 46 meters and rising about 30 meters, crowned the platform overlooking the harbor, exemplifying Herod's emulation of Roman imperial architecture using large kurkar ashlar blocks.^[9] These elements collectively enabled Caesarea's role as a provincial hub, with Herod's projects—drawing on Roman techniques like hydraulic concrete—prioritizing durability against seismic and erosive forces evident in archaeological cores from the breakwaters.^[10]

Modern Preservation Challenges and Controversies

Coastal erosion poses a primary threat to Caesarea Maritima's structures, driven by persistent wave action and a regional sediment deficit resulting from human-engineered barriers like dams on the Nile and coastal infrastructure that block sand transport.^[28] Historical analyses document shoreline retreats of up to 30 meters between 1862 and 1949, predominantly attributable to natural processes rather than direct anthropogenic interference.^[29] By 2010, seawater infiltration had compromised ancient sea walls and aqueduct remnants dating to 22 BCE–15 BCE, with experts forecasting potential collapse of harbor segments and adjacent modern facilities absent urgent stabilization.^[30] Proposed countermeasures, including sand importation, enlarged breakwaters, and sediment-trapping bunkers, were estimated to cost NIS 60 million over three years, though implementation lagged due to unfulfilled government pledges of NIS 400 million for broader cliff protection.^[30] Rising sea levels compound these vulnerabilities, with projections indicating heightened flooding, beach erosion, and structural inundation along Israel's Mediterranean coast, including Caesarea's low-lying antiquities.^[31] Underwater features, such as the submerged harbor and associated shipwrecks like North Caesarea 1, endure ongoing degradation from sediment-shifting currents, seasonal storms, and evidence of recurrent tsunamis in the stratigraphic record, which hinder systematic excavation and stabilization efforts.^[32]^[33] High tourism volumes—targeting 2 million visitors annually by 2025—exacerbate terrestrial wear on exposed mosaics and pathways, where a 2006 survey revealed over 30% of sheltered mosaics in advanced deterioration despite protective measures.^[34] Preservation controversies center on restoration philosophies, particularly the tension between purist conservation—leaving ruins in situ—and interpretive reconstruction to enhance educational access. The 2019 opening of an NIS 80 million visitor center within reconstructed Herodian vaults, funded partly by a NIS 150 million grant from the Edmond de Rothschild Foundation, incorporated audiovisual exhibits and modern utilities while adhering to Roman proportional standards for rebuilt elements, yet sparked debate over authenticity.^[35] Proponents argue such adaptations sustain public engagement and revenue for upkeep, distinguishing original rough-hewn stones from smooth replicas; critics contend they risk over-interpretation, potentially obscuring the site's stratigraphic integrity.^[35] Funding shortfalls persist as a systemic issue, with the Israel Nature and Parks Authority balancing site commercialization against long-term safeguarding amid competing national priorities.^[30]

Other Ancient Caesareas

Caesarea Philippi

Caesarea Philippi, known in antiquity as Paneas and today as Banias, was an ancient city situated at the southwestern base of Mount Hermon, approximately 40 kilometers north of the Sea of Galilee and adjacent to one of the principal springs feeding the Jordan River.^[36] The site's fertile location and natural cave system made it a focal point for religious activity from the Hellenistic era onward, with a sanctuary dedicated to the Greek god Pan established by the third century BC and active until the fifth century AD.^[37] This pagan cult center featured rituals involving fertility and the underworld, centered around a grotto perceived as an entrance to Hades, where devotees conducted sacrifices and other practices to invoke Pan and associated nymphs.^[38] Herod the Great initiated major development by constructing a white marble temple dedicated to the Roman emperor Augustus Caesar between 20 and 10 BC, positioning the site as one of three such imperial shrines he built in his territories to demonstrate loyalty to Rome.^[39] After Herod's death in 4 BC, his son Philip the Tetrarch, who governed the region from 4 BC to AD 34, expanded the settlement into a proper city, renaming it Caesarea Philippi to honor both Augustus and his own lineage as "Philip."^[40] Under Philip's rule, the city grew as an administrative and economic hub, incorporating additional structures such as courts for Pan and the nymphs, alongside the existing Augusteum, and benefiting from its strategic position near trade routes and abundant water resources.^[41] The city's prominence in the New Testament stems from its role in Matthew 16:13–20 and parallel accounts in Mark 8:27–30 and Luke 9:18–20, where Jesus withdrew to the vicinity of Caesarea Philippi with his disciples and posed the question of his identity, prompting Peter's declaration that Jesus was "the Christ, the Son of the living God."^[42] Jesus' subsequent response—that upon this revelation he would build his church, and that the "gates of Hades" would not overcome it—carried pointed symbolism given the site's reputation as a gateway to the underworld in local pagan lore, contrasting divine authority against entrenched idolatrous powers.^[38] This episode marked a pivotal disclosure of Jesus' messianic role to his followers, away from Judean centers of opposition. Archaeological investigations, including excavations since the 1990s by the Israel Antiquities Authority, have uncovered remnants of the Pan sanctuary, including a sacred cave with niches for votive offerings, a temple platform for Augustus, and nearby Roman administrative buildings.^[43] A palace complex attributed to Herod the Great, featuring opus sectile flooring and frescoes, was identified in 2022 among the ruins, confirming elite Herodian investment in the area.^[43] Deposits of marble sculptures, including depictions of deities and imperial figures, further attest to the site's Greco-Roman cultural synthesis, though many were deliberately damaged in late antiquity, possibly reflecting Christian iconoclasm.^[44] Post-Philip, the city briefly bore the name Neronias under Herod Agrippa II but retained its Herodian foundations until seismic events and shifting regional control diminished its prominence by the fourth century AD.^[37]

Caesarea Mazaca (Cappadocia)

Caesarea Mazaca, originally known as Mazaca and briefly Eusebia ad Argaium, was the principal city of ancient Cappadocia, located in central Anatolia on the northern slopes of Mount Argaeus (modern Erciyes Dağı) near the modern city of Kayseri, Turkey.^[45]^[46] The settlement originated in the Bronze Age, with its name Mazaka attested in the Hattic language, Anatolia's earliest known tongue, and it featured in cuneiform tablets from the nearby Hittite trading colony at Kültepe (ancient Kanesh).^[45] It later formed part of Hittite domains and the Achaemenid Persian satrapy of Tabal before Alexander the Great's conquests in the 4th century BCE integrated the region into the Hellenistic world.^[45] In the Hellenistic era, Cappadocia emerged as an independent kingdom under Ariarathes II around 301 BCE following the collapse of the Seleucid Empire's control.^[45] Ariarathes V Eusebes (r. 163–130 BCE) elevated Mazaca to royal residence and renamed it Eusebia near the Argaeus to honor his father.^[46]^[45] The city suffered destruction during Tigranes I of Armenia's campaigns in the 90s–70s BCE but was rebuilt under Cappadocian kings, serving as their capital amid Persianate and Greek cultural influences.^[46] Under Roman client king Archelaus (r. 36 BCE–17 CE), the city was renamed Caesarea in Cappadocia, reflecting alignment with Roman imperial nomenclature.^[45] Following Archelaus's deposition, Emperor Tiberius annexed Cappadocia as a Roman province in 17 CE, designating Caesarea Mazaca its administrative capital, metropolitan see, and imperial mint for coinage that circulated across Anatolia and the eastern provinces.^[46]^[47]^[45] Positioned along early Silk Road routes, it facilitated trade in goods like silk, spices, and metals between the Mediterranean, Persia, and Central Asia, bolstering its economic role.^[46] A notable Jewish community resided there, referenced in Talmudic texts as Mezigah or Megizah and visited by Rabbi Akiva in the early 2nd century CE.^[47] The city endured significant setbacks, including near-total destruction by Sasanian king Shapur I during his invasion in 260 CE, which included the massacre of approximately 12,000 Jews.^[47]^[45] Rebuilt in the late Roman period, it transitioned into a key Byzantine ecclesiastical hub by the 4th century CE, where Bishop Basil of Caesarea (later Saint Basil the Great) established institutions such as an orphanage, hospital, and almshouses northeast of the urban core, fostering the influence of the Cappadocian Fathers amid theological developments.^[46]^[45]

Lesser-Known Sites

One prominent lesser-known ancient city named Caesarea is located in Mauretania, corresponding to modern Cherchell in Algeria. Originally established by Phoenicians in the 5th century BCE as a trading station known as Iol, the settlement was annexed by Rome in 33 BCE and renamed Caesarea by King Juba II, a Numidian ruler educated in Rome, to honor Emperor Augustus.^[48] Juba II, who reigned from approximately 25 BCE to 23 CE, collaborated with his wife Cleopatra Selene II to develop the city into a center of Graeco-Roman culture, incorporating libraries, art collections, and architectural projects that reflected Hellenistic influences.^[48] ^[49] Under Roman administration, Caesarea was elevated to the status of a colonia, designated Colonia Claudia Caesarea, by Emperor Claudius in 44 CE following the annexation of Mauretania, serving as the capital of the province Mauretania Caesariensis with a population exceeding 20,000 inhabitants by the 2nd century CE.^[48] The city featured a grid-planned urban layout, a theater seating thousands, an amphitheater for gladiatorial contests, extensive bathhouses, aqueducts supplying water from distant sources, and a lighthouse guiding maritime trade along the North African coast.^[48] During the Severan Dynasty (late 2nd to early 3rd century CE), enhancements included a Roman forum and further monumental constructions, underscoring its role as an administrative and economic hub loyal to Rome.^[48] Archaeological excavations have uncovered mosaics, statues, and inscriptions attesting to its prosperity, though the site suffered sacking by Moorish tribes around 371–372 CE, Vandal conquest in 429 CE, and partial recovery under Byzantine Emperor Justinian I in 533 CE before earthquakes and abandonment diminished its prominence by the early medieval period.^[48] Remains visible today include portions of the theater, basilica foundations, and harbor structures, preserved amid ongoing erosion from coastal exposure.^[48] Other minor sites bearing the name Caesarea, such as ephemeral Roman outposts or renamed settlements in regions like Cilicia or Moesia, lack substantial archaeological documentation and did not achieve the administrative stature of their counterparts, rendering them archaeologically obscure beyond epigraphic references in ancient texts.^[50]

Religious and Cultural Impact

Biblical and New Testament Associations

Caesarea Maritima served as the Roman administrative capital of Judea during the New Testament era, hosting several pivotal events in the spread of early Christianity as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles.^[51] Built by Herod the Great around 22–10 BCE, the city functioned as the base for Roman prefects and procurators, including Pontius Pilate, facilitating interactions between Jewish leaders, Roman officials, and Christian missionaries.^[52] One of the earliest significant associations occurred with Cornelius, a centurion of the Italian Cohort stationed in Caesarea, described as devout and God-fearing (Acts 10:1–2). Following divine visions, Peter traveled from Joppa to Cornelius's home, preached the gospel, and witnessed the Holy Spirit descending on Cornelius and his Gentile household, marking the inaugural inclusion of uncircumcised Gentiles into the Christian community without prior Jewish conversion requirements (Acts 10:24–48).^[53] This event, dated circa 40 CE, underscored a theological shift toward universal salvation, challenging early Jewish-Christian boundaries.^[54] Philip the evangelist, one of the seven deacons appointed in Jerusalem (Acts 6:5), settled in Caesarea with his four virgin daughters who prophesied (Acts 21:8–9). Around 57 CE, the apostle Paul lodged there en route to Jerusalem, receiving prophetic warnings about his impending arrest (Acts 21:10–14).^[55] Paul's extended imprisonment in Caesarea, from approximately 57–59 CE, followed his arrest in Jerusalem amid Jewish opposition; Roman commander Claudius Lysias transferred him there for safety, where he was held in Herod's praetorium under procurators Antonius Felix and Porcius Festus (Acts 23:23–35).^[56] During this two-year detention, Paul defended his faith before Felix, who procrastinated hoping for a bribe (Acts 24:26–27), and later before Festus and Herod Agrippa II, appealing to Caesar after Festus suggested handing him to Jewish authorities (Acts 25:1–26:32).^[57] These trials highlighted Roman legal protections for citizens like Paul and provided platforms for proclaiming resurrection and Christian doctrine.^[58] Earlier, in circa 44 CE, Herod Agrippa I perished in Caesarea during a public audience with envoys from Tyre and Sidon; the crowd acclaimed him as a god, but an angel struck him, and he died after worms consumed him, fulfilling biblical judgment for failing to glorify God (Acts 12:20–23).^[59] This account aligns with Josephus's description of Agrippa's illness and death in Caesarea from severe abdominal pains.

Ecclesiastical Figures and Theological Debates

Origen, a prominent early Christian theologian (c. 185–253 AD), relocated to Caesarea Maritima around 231 AD following conflicts in Alexandria, where he established a renowned school of theology that emphasized scriptural exegesis, allegorical interpretation, and philosophical engagement with pagan thought.^[60] This institution, which amassed a library of over 30,000 manuscripts under Origen and his disciple Pamphilus (martyred c. 310 AD), became a hub for biblical scholarship, including Origen's Hexapla, a comparative edition of Old Testament versions that advanced textual criticism but also sparked debates over allegorism's potential to obscure literal meanings.^[61] Origen's teachings, while influential in systematizing Christian doctrine against Gnosticism and Platonism, later faced condemnation at the Second Council of Constantinople (553 AD) for views on pre-existence of souls and universal restoration, reflecting Caesarea's role in fostering innovative yet contentious theology.^[60] Eusebius, bishop of Caesarea from approximately 313 AD until his death around 339 AD, emerged as a pivotal figure in ecclesiastical historiography and the Arian controversy, leveraging the city's library to compile the Ecclesiastical History, the first comprehensive chronicle of Christianity from apostolic times to the early 4th century.^[62] Initially sympathetic to Arius's subordinationist Christology—which posited the Son as created and inferior to the Father—Eusebius advocated for reconciliation at the Council of Nicaea (325 AD), proposing a creed that echoed Arian phrasing before ultimately signing the homoousios ("of the same substance") formula under Constantine's pressure, though his writings reveal ongoing reservations about its philosophical implications.^[63] His tenure highlighted Caesarea's metropolitan authority over Palestine, including tensions with Jerusalem's bishopric, and his panegyric to Constantine underscored a pragmatic alliance between church and empire amid doctrinal strife.^[62] Acacius, Eusebius's successor as bishop (c. 340–366 AD), led the Homoean faction in the protracted Arian debates, advocating a formula at the Synod of Seleucia (359 AD) that described the Son as "like" (homoios) the Father in essence without affirming full co-equality, a position that maneuvered between strict Arians and Nicenes while consolidating semi-Arian influence.^[64] This stance fueled conflicts at the Synod of Constantinople (360 AD), where Acacius deposed rivals like Cyril of Jerusalem, exemplifying Caesarea's entanglement in imperial-backed councils that prioritized political unity over theological precision, as evidenced by his alliances with Constantius II.^[65] The Acacian party's eventual dominance in the Eastern church until the Council of Constantinople (381 AD) underscores how Caesarea's bishops shaped Trinitarian orthodoxy through compromise formulas, often critiqued for diluting Nicene clarity in favor of ecclesiastical expediency.^[64]

Legacy in Historical Scholarship

Archaeological excavations at Caesarea Maritima, commencing in the mid-20th century under teams including Italian, Israeli, and American scholars, have fundamentally revised understandings of Herodian engineering and Roman provincial administration in Judea. The discovery of the Pilate Stone in 1961 during excavations of the Roman theater provided the first extra-biblical epigraphic evidence for Pontius Pilate's tenure as prefect (26–36 CE), with its Latin inscription dedicating a structure in honor of Tiberius, thereby corroborating Gospel accounts and diminishing skeptical dismissals of Pilate as a literary invention in New Testament scholarship.^[66]^[67] This find, analyzed in peer-reviewed contexts, underscored the site's role in validating administrative practices described by Josephus, shifting historiographical emphasis from textual skepticism to integrated archaeo-historical synthesis. Scholarship on Caesarea's harbor, Sebastos, has centered on debates over construction techniques and dating, with underwater surveys revealing Herod's use of pozzolanic hydraulic concrete—sourced possibly from Italy or Egypt—poured into massive wooden forms to create breakwaters up to 60 meters wide, a feat Josephus attributed to divine favor but modern analysts credit to Vitruvian-inspired engineering adapted by Herod's architects.^[68] Ongoing controversies, such as whether certain aqueduct segments predate or postdate Herod's reign (evidenced by hydraulic plaster dating to the 1st century BCE), highlight tensions between literary sources and stratigraphic data, prompting revisions in views of Herod's autonomy versus Roman technological dependence.^[69] These analyses, drawn from excavations by figures like Avner Raban, have implications for broader Herodian historiography, portraying Caesarea as a paradigm of client-king urbanism that facilitated Mediterranean trade and Romanization without full cultural assimilation. In ecclesiastical historiography, Eusebius of Caesarea's Ecclesiastical History (c. 312–324 CE), composed amid the city's libraries and Christian communities, established a documentary model for Christian world history, integrating Caesarea's events—like the martyrdoms under Diocletian and Origen's teachings—into a providential narrative that influenced subsequent patristic and medieval chroniclers.^[70] While critics note Eusebius' selective sourcing and apologetic bias, his work's emphasis on chronology and primary excerpts set standards for later scholars, including those reevaluating Caesarea's role in early Christian-Jewish dialogues through artifacts like synagogue remains and Mithraic cult evidence, which reveal a pluralistic religious landscape under Roman oversight.^[71] This legacy persists in contemporary studies, where Caesarea exemplifies causal links between imperial infrastructure and theological developments, prioritizing empirical integration over ideologically driven interpretations.

Modern Contexts

Contemporary Caesarea in Israel

The modern locality of Caesarea, adjacent to the ancient ruins of Caesarea Maritima, functions as an upscale residential community uniquely administered by the private Caesarea Development Corporation, established in 1952 under the auspices of the Edmond de Rothschild Foundation to promote philanthropic development through real estate and tourism initiatives.^[72] ^[73] Covering approximately 35 square kilometers, it emphasizes low-density luxury housing, including villas and estates owned by prominent Israeli business figures and the Rothschild family, alongside amenities such as an 18-hole golf course, equestrian center, and private beaches that cater to affluent residents seeking Mediterranean coastal living.^[74] The population stands at around 5,300 as of 2019, reflecting its status as one of Israel's most exclusive enclaves, distinct from typical municipal governance.^[75] The ancient site's preservation as Caesarea National Park, managed by the Israel Nature and Parks Authority, drives significant contemporary economic activity through tourism, with the park attracting 670,000 visitors in 2022—a 76% increase from prior years despite regional security challenges—and historically exceeding 900,000 annually pre-pandemic.^[76] ^[35] Key attractions include the restored Roman theater, which hosts international concerts and events accommodating up to 4,000 spectators; the hippodrome; aqueduct remnants; and submerged harbor ruins accessible via underwater tours, underscoring the site's role as Israel's premier archaeological destination.^[77] In 2019, a NIS 80 million visitor center opened within reconstructed Crusader-era vaults, enhancing interpretive exhibits on Herod's engineering feats and subsequent historical layers.^[35] Development efforts balance heritage conservation with modern infrastructure, including collaborations between the Caesarea Development Corporation, local councils, and academic institutions like the University of Haifa for excavations and site maintenance, though the private management model has drawn scrutiny for prioritizing elite residential expansion over broader public access.^[34] The locality's proximity to major cities—40 kilometers south of Haifa and 50 north of Tel Aviv—further integrates it into Israel's coastal economy, with revenues from park admissions and events supporting ongoing preservation amid environmental pressures like coastal erosion.^[77]

Other Contemporary Uses and References

Caesarea designates an unincorporated community in Scugog Township, Ontario, Canada, recognized as a designated place by Statistics Canada. The area was first settled in 1836 under the name Lasherville, with a post office established in 1851 adopting the current name. Located at approximately 44.158° N, 78.832° W, it functions as a rural residential area with limited commercial presence, primarily serving local residents in the Kawartha Lakes region.^[78]^[79]^[80] The name appears in contemporary media, notably in city-building video games developed by Impressions Games and Sierra Entertainment. In Caesar III (1998), a mission requires players to rebuild and defend a city named Caesarea following a prior governor's dismissal, emphasizing resource management and defense against invasions. Similarly, Caesar IV (2006) features a mission to establish trade-focused industry in Caesarea, drawing on Roman historical themes for gameplay. These references adapt the ancient toponym for educational and entertainment purposes in simulations of imperial urban planning.^[81]^[82]^[83] Literary uses include Tony Burgess's 2000 horror novel Caesarea, the third in a trilogy beginning with The Hellmouths of Bewdley (1997), which employs the name in a fictional narrative unrelated to historical geography. Such instances reflect sporadic adoption of the term in modern fiction for evocative or thematic resonance.^[84]

References

[1]
Overview
Caesarea is located along the coast of Israel, north of Tel Aviv and south of Haifa. It was built by Herod the Great, sometime between 22 and 10 BCE, and ...<|separator|>
[2]
Caesarea Maritima | Archaeology Program - Cornell University
Caesarea Maritima, established on the site of the Hellenistic city of Strato's Tower, is the setting for numerous historical events and personages.<|separator|>
[3]
Caesarea Maritima Sebastos | Ancient Ports - Ports Antiques
The port of Sebastos (the Greek name for Augustus), in the town of Caesarea Maritima, is one of the largest ancient port ruins still visible today.
[4]
Caesarea City and Port Exploration Project
Caesarea Maritima was a thriving hub of power and innovation and one of the largest ports on the eastern Mediterranean seaboard from the Roman Empire through ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[5]
Caesarea - UNESCO World Heritage Centre
Caesarea served as a base for the Roman legions who quelled the Great Revolt that erupted in 66 BCE, and it was here that their commanding general Vespasian was ...
[6]
Caesarea Maritima - See The Holy Land
In the attractive Mediterranean seaport of Caesarea Maritima, the apostle Peter baptised the first recorded gentile ; It was the headquarters of Pontius Pilate ...
[7]
Caesarea - History and Facts
Nov 24, 2020 · Caesarea or “Keysarya” was an Ancient Roman city which is now a large archaeological site in Israel. History of Caesarea.
[8]
Caesarea Maritima: 2002 Land Excavations | Bible Interp
1). Founded by King Herod between 22 and 10 B.C.E., it served as the main port and administrative capital of his kingdom.
[9]
The Infrastructure of Caesarea Maritima - World History Encyclopedia
Nov 7, 2023 · ... Caesarea and its harbor represented Rome's engineering best. Though just one of his many building projects, Herod built Caesarea with Rome's ...
[10]
CONSTRUCTING THE HARBOUR OF CAESAREA PALESTINAE:
Local and Roman builders working for King Herod of Judaea constructed the largest artificial harbour ever built in the open sea up to that point.
[11]
Archaeology in Israel: Caesarea - Jewish Virtual Library
Caesarea played an important role in early Christian history. Here the baptism of the Roman officer Cornelius took place; (Acts 10:1-5, 25-28) from here ...
[12]
Caesarea Maritima | Bible Interp
Caesarea Maritima was founded by Herod in 22-10/9 BC on the site of a deserted Hellenistic coastal town called Straon's Tower. According to Josephus Flavius ( ...
[13]
Dedication by Pontius Pilate in Judea (CIIP II, 1277)
This inscription was discovered during the Italian excavations of Caesarea Maritima in 1961; it had been moved from its original location (which is unknown) ...<|separator|>
[14]
Caesarea in Palestine - Brill Reference Works
In 68 CE Vespasian was proclaimed emperor by his troops in Caesarea (Jos. Bell. 4.488–506). In 71 CE it became a Roman colony. As such, the official language ...
[15]
[PDF] Bayyarat al-Khuri: An Ecclesiastical Agricultural Estate in Caesarea ...
Aug 20, 2025 · During the Byzantine period, Caesarea Maritima was the capital of Palestina Prima, and home to important Fathers of the Church, such as ...
[16]
Caesarea Maritima Excavations - Archaeological Institute of America
... Byzantine octagonal church, and the Crusader church and city walls. However, little is know of the city during the Early Islamic period. Debates over the ...
[17]
[PDF] The Persian and Arabic Destructions of Caesarea Maritima - SciSpace
The historical sources provided adequate accounts to date the first destruction of the city to the Persian takeover in A.D. 614 and the second destruction to ...
[18]
[PDF] Procopius History Of The Wars procopius history of the wars
scholar and historian from Caesarea Maritima. Procopius Wikipedia The writings of Procopius are the primary source of information for the rule of the emperor ...
[19]
Caesarea Maritima - Madain Project (en)
However strong the walls were, they could not keep out the sultan Baybars ... The bathhouse is the only important remains of the private wing of the Byzantine ...
[20]
Earthquake, Fire, and Water: Destruction Sequence Identified in an ...
In 749 CE, the region was devastated by an earthquake, and while Caesarea Maritima did not bear the brunt of the impact, the earthquake was strong enough to ...
[21]
Caesarea - DEADSEAQUAKE.info
The Roman armies returned for a brief period after 628, but in 641 or 642 Caesarea fell to an Arab army after a seven-month siege. During the next two centuries ...
[22]
(PDF) The Biblical City Of Caesarea Maritima - Academia.edu
The paper examines the historical and archaeological significance of Caesarea Maritima, highlighting its role in early Christianity and its developments ...
[23]
Combined Caesarea | Department of History - University of Maryland
Excavations since the 1950s have uncovered the ancient city's streets, private dwellings, aqueducts, baths, circus, stadium, theater and other public buildings ...
[24]
https://journals.uchicago.edu/doi/pdfplus/10.5615/bullamerschoorie.371.0163
[25]
The Mithraeum at Caesarea Maritima, vol. II. American Schools of ...
Mar 5, 2019 · The mithraeum was discovered, along with some of Herod's other warehouses, by the Joint Expedition to Caesarea Maritima in 1973. Further ...
[26]
[PDF] Caesarea Coastal Archaeological Project (C-CAP)
Aug 12, 2011 · The colossal artificial harbor built at the city of Caesarea Maritima by King Herod of Judaea over 2000 years ago (ca. 20-10 BC), continues ...<|separator|>
[27]
Caesarea Maritima (Israel) - Roman Aqueducts
This was the largest aqueduct in the country in antiquity. It was built of roughly cut stones cemented with grey lime mortar and plastered with a layer of ...
[28]
(PDF) Two centuries of coastal change at Caesarea, Israel: Natural ...
The results of the sediment erosion model showed that the dam retains more than half of the sediment produced in the basin, irrespective of the scenario used.
[29]
Two centuries of coastal change at Caesarea, Israel - Academia.edu
Shoreline changes at Caesarea are mainly due to natural wave action, not human activities. Coastal changes from 1862 to 1949 reached up to 30 m, contrasting ...
[30]
Caesarea: A story of sand versus sea | The Jerusalem Post
Nov 26, 2010 · If the authorities fail to find the promised funding, the ancient seaport – one of the country's most popular attractions – may be doomed.
[31]
Israeli Scientists Work To Save The Country's Coastline From Rising ...
May 24, 2020 · As the sea level rises and human interference continues, the Israeli coast will experience more intense flooding, disappearing beaches, and intensifying ...
[32]
The North Caesarea 1 shipwreck: challenges of re-excavating a ...
Feb 25, 2025 · Excavation of the North Caesarea 1 shipwreck was challenging due to continual movement of sediment by currents, the propensity for storms in the ...
[33]
Deterioration of Israel's Caesarea Maritima's ancient harbor linked to ...
Deterioration of Israel's Caesarea Maritima's ancient harbor linked to repeated tsunami events identified in geophysical mapping of offshore stratigraphy.
[34]
Ancient Caesarea: conservation and development of a heritage site
A survey carried out in 2006 found that more than 30% of the mosaics over which shelters had been constructed were suffering from advanced deterioration and ...Missing: controversies | Show results with:controversies
[35]
Caesarea opens new NIS 80 million visitor center in reconstructed ...
May 30, 2019 · Complete reconstruction of ruins can be controversial, but adapting ancient buildings to modern uses is part of a worldwide trend to breathe ...
[36]
https://www.bibleplaces.com/caesarea-philippi-banias/
[37]
The Sanctuary of Pan at Banias/Caesarea Philippi: Bulletin of the ...
From the third century BC through the fifth century AD a sanctuary to the Greek god Pan existed at the mouth of the Jordan River.
[38]
Gates of Hell - That the World May Know
The cave at Caesarea Philippi created a gate to the underworld, where fertility gods lived during the winter. They committed detestable acts to worship these ...Missing: facts | Show results with:facts
[39]
The Temple of Caesar Augustus at Caesarea Philippi
Herod the Great built three temples to Augustus, called Augusteums. They were located in Caesarea by the Sea, Samaria-Sebaste, and near Paneon.
[40]
Caesarea Philippi and the Nephilim? - Bible Study With Randy
Mar 24, 2016 · The city known as Caesarea Philippi in Jesus' time, was originally established by Alexander the Great as a countryside shrine to the Greek god ...
[41]
Caesarea Philippi - Bible Odyssey
Sep 6, 2019 · These included: a limestone and marble temple (probably the one built by King Herod for Augustus); the Court of Pan and the Nymphs; the Temple ...
[42]
What is the significance of Caesarea Philippi in the Bible?
Mar 15, 2022 · One of the villages around Caesarea Philippi was the setting for Jesus' famous statement to Peter, “On this rock I will build my church, and ...
[43]
Ruins at Banias - King Herod's Palace Identified at Caesarea Philippi
May 18, 2022 · The ruins at Banias include the Cave of Pan and other cultic structures dedicated to Pan, Caesar Augustus, the Nymphs, and Zeus.Missing: facts | Show results with:facts
[44]
The Roman Marble Sculptures from the Sanctuary of Pan at ...
A corpus of 28 marble and one limestone sculptures excavated in 1992-1993 from the sanctuary of Pan at Caesarea Philippi/Panias (modern Banias, Israel)
[45]
Caesarea-Mazaca (Kayseri) - Livius.org
Aug 7, 2020 · Caesarea-Mazaca: ancient town in central Anatolia, modern Kayseri. History. Hellenistic relief of a soldier Cappadocia; Settled in the Bronze ...
[46]
Kayseri | Turkey, Map, & Facts - Britannica
Oct 16, 2025 · Renamed Caesarea Cappadociae early in the 1st century ce, it served as the capital and imperial mint of the Roman province of Cappadocia. It ...
[47]
Caesarea in Cappadocia - Jewish Virtual Library
Caesarea in Cappadocia, capital of Cappadocia. Before the country became a Roman province under Tiberius in 17 CE the city was known as Mazaca or Mazaga.Missing: ancient | Show results with:ancient
[48]
https://www.worldhistory.org/Caesarea_(North_Africa)/
[49]
https://www.worldhistory.org/Juba_II/
[50]
Caesareia - in ancient sources @ attalus.org
+ Caesarea Festus:Brev.11 city in Cappadocia, was named Caesarea in honor of Caesar Hieron:Chron_2036 hed city of Mazaca was renamed Caesareia, by order of Tibe
[51]
https://www.bibleplaces.com/acts10/
[52]
[PDF] Pontius Pilate and the Caesarea Inscription
Apr 1, 1975 · The Caesarea inscription, found in 1961, is a Latin inscription dedicated by Pontius Pilate, providing direct corroboration of his role as ...Missing: associations | Show results with:associations
[53]
Enduring Word Bible Commentary Acts Chapter 10
There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment, a devout man and one who feared God with all his ...
[54]
Who was Cornelius in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org
Jul 14, 2023 · Cornelius in the Bible was a centurion, a commander in the Italian Regiment of the Roman military. He lived in Caesarea. His story in Acts 10 ...
[55]
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+21&version=NIV
[56]
10. Paul's Imprisonment, Release, and Death (Acts 24-28, 57-65 AD)
10.1. Imprisonment in Caesarea (57-59 AD) For the next two years (57-59 AD), Paul is kept under guard in Herod's palace in Caesarea (Acts 23:34-35) as the ...
[57]
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+23%3A23-26%3A32&version=NIV
[58]
[PDF] PAUL'S IMPRISONMENT IN CAESAREA - Ubf.org
In this way, Paul became a prisoner without any clear charges being brought against him. Today's passage is the story of Paul's imprisonment in. Caesarea.
[59]
Challenging Josephus's Location for the Place of Herod Agrippa's ...
Bible readers recall that Agrippa was struck down by an angel of the Lord while delivering a public address in Caesarea (Acts 12:19-23).Missing: associations | Show results with:associations
[60]
Origen - Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Mar 10, 2014 · Origen (c. 185–c. 253) was a Christian exegete and theologian, who made copious use of the allegorical method in his commentaries.
[61]
What Was the Importance of Caesarea in Christianity? - TheCollector
Apr 14, 2024 · Caesarea Maritima was a port city on the Mediterranean Coast in Roman Judaea during the early Christian years during and just after the time of Jesus Christ ...
[62]
Eusebius on Christianity - World History Encyclopedia
Oct 15, 2021 · He became the bishop of Caesarea Maritima in 314 CE and served as court bishop during the reign of Constantine I (r. 306-337 CE). Eusebius is ...
[63]
Eusebius: Works, Importance, When He Lived - Bart Ehrman
Dec 7, 2023 · One of the most notable theological debates in which Eusebius was involved was the above-mentioned Arian Controversy - a polemic centered around ...
[64]
Acacius (Bishop of Caesarea in Palestine) - New Advent
This led to a very heated discussion, and on Thursday Acacius found himself bluntly attacked by Eleusius, the ex-soldier and Semi-Arian Bishop of Cyzicus.
[65]
Acacius of Caesarea | Encyclopedia.com
ACACIUS OF CAESAREA Disciple and successor of eusebius of caesarea and leader of the Homoean faction in the Arian controversy; d. after 365.
[66]
Pontius Pilate: An Archaeological Biography
Oct 11, 2019 · The limestone block was originally part of a dedication to Tiberius Caesar, although the stone had been reused as part of a flight of steps ...Missing: impact | Show results with:impact
[67]
Pontius Pilate and the Caesarea Inscription - Ministry Magazine
Pontius Pilate, prefect of Judea, has given (or has dedicated) to the people of Caesarea a public building (or temple) in honor of Tiberius.
[68]
[PDF] Caesarea's Master Harbor Builders
Their task was to implement the king's dream and to do it as quickly as possible. Most of the Caesarea publications to date have called these western technical ...
[69]
[PDF] The Innovative Genius of Herod at Caesarea Maritima
Sebastos must have been a magnificent sight: a huge harbour complex with three basins, the outer being the most innovative creation of Herod the Great with two ...
[70]
The Problem of Eusebius | Christian History Magazine
Eusebius did not perfect the discipline of church history, but he took the crucial first step of considering world events from a Christian perspective.Missing: debates | Show results with:debates
[71]
Review: Making Christian History: Eusebius of Caesarea and His ...
Feb 1, 2023 · On the one hand, Eusebius's emphasis on documentation and chronology suited humanists' desire for history writing that was accurate, as well as ...
[72]
About | החברה לפיתוח קיסריה
The Caesarea Development Corporation is the executive branch of the Edmond de Rothschild Foundation- a continuation of the philanthropic legacy of the ...
[73]
History & Legacy - Edmond de Rothschild Foundation (IL)
... Caesarea Development Corporation and the Caesarea Assets Corporation- for philanthropic purposes on which the Foundation's activities are focused. Over the ...
[74]
caesarea history & culture - Davidson Real Estate
The modern settlement. The modern settlement of Caesarea was re-established in the late 19th century by Bosnian Muslims and later developed by the ...
[75]
Caesarea – Travel guide at Wikivoyage
Ancient Caesarea Maritima is one of the archaeological treasures of Israel and the Mediterranean. ... A little-known but beautiful archaeological site. The site ...Missing: lesser | Show results with:lesser
[76]
Caesarea Is Israel's Most Popular Tourist Destination. What's Its ...
Mar 1, 2023 · According to the Nature Reserves Authority, 670,000 people visited Caesarea National Park in 2022, representing an increase of 76 percent over ...Missing: statistics | Show results with:statistics
[77]
Caesarea National Park - Israel Nature and Parks Authority
Explore Caesarea National Park's ancient ruins and natural beauty on Israel's Mediterranean coast, a unique journey through time.Missing: population | Show results with:population
[78]
Profile table, Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population - Caesarea ...
Statistics Canada's Census Profile presents information from the 2021 Census of Population - Caesarea, Municipal defined places (MDP) [Designated place],
[79]
Caesarea, Ontario - Scugog Heritage Gallery
Apr 9, 2024 · The area around Caesarea was first settled in 1836 and the first name of the village was Lasherville. The village post office opened in 1851.
[80]
Caesarea on the map of Canada, location on the map, exact time
44.1582477, -78.8320442. Caesarea is located in the time zone Eastern Standard Time. Official currency ...
[81]
Caesarea Walkthrough - Caesar 3 Heaven - HeavenGames
This is the 7th peaceful mission. Not only must you rebuild a city left by a fired governor, but you must also learn to deal with MUCH bigger invasions.
[82]
Caesarea - Caesar 4 Heaven - HeavenGames
You must establish a city at Caesarea which can act as a focus for this trade, while developing local industry as well.
[83]
Caesar3 Augustus Caesarea Reconquered : r/impressionsgames
Mar 26, 2024 · He sold the company to Sierra Entertainment in 1995. This is a subreddit dedicated to their games! Impressions specialized in historical ...
[84]
Caesarea | Book by Tony Burgess | Official Publisher Page
Caesarea is the new novel from Tony Burgess. The third and final installment of the trilogy he began with The Hellmouths of Bewdley.