If you’re a fan of ancient history, like we are, you’ll certainly be familiar with how the Romans changed the world in so many ways. Certainly, as you travel through Europe, the evidence is plain. But as you head east, you will also be surprised and amazed at how far they conquered and what they achieved.
An excellent example of this is Caesarea Maritima national park, in Israel. The city and harbour were built under Herod the Great during c. 22–10 or 9 BCE near the site of a former Phoenician naval station known as Stratonos pyrgos (Στράτωνος πύργος, “Straton’s Tower”), probably named after the 4th century BCE king of Sidon, Strato I.
It later became the provincial capital of Roman Judea, Roman Syria Palaestina and Byzantine Palaestina Prima provinces. The city was populated throughout the 1st to 6th centuries AD and became an important early centre of Christianity during the Byzantine period, but destroyed during the Muslim conquest of 640, after which it lost its importance.
After being re-fortified by the Muslims in the 11th century, it was conquered by the Crusaders, who strengthened and made it into an important port, and was finally slighted by the Mamluks in 1265.
And you can visit it today. Well worth the effort, as much of the city is still recognizable.
Read more courtesy of wikipedia.org
The wonderful Christopher Clark explains more in this video.
Brussels Airlines flies to Israel. Click above for options.
