The trip of a lifetime had begun...we were on our way!
Day 1
On arrival at Ben Gurion Airport our tour group was immediately transferred to our tour bus and we were on our way...no time to waste!
We were on our way to Caesarea! This then is my account of our very first day...
The Hadrianic Aqueduct of Caesarea Maritima.
Our first stop was the Hadrianic Aqueduct on the beach of Caesarea, just north of that ancient city. The 26 of us stumbled out of our very comfortable, air conditioned bus and took our first steps into the past...
The Judean port of Caesarea had no reliable source of fresh water when construction on the city began around 22 B.C. King Herod commissioned a raised aqueduct to deliver water from the springs near Shuni, 16 kilometers north-east of Caesarea Maritima.
Caesarea - The harbour and Port city that Herod the Great built.
Caesarea is a town on Israel's Mediterranean coast. It’s known for the Caesarea National Park, which includes a large restored Roman amphitheatre and the historic port. On the site is an archaeological park with pillars and sculptures, and the remains of a hippodrome, with frescoes and stone seating. The ruins of the seafront Promontory Palace include the remains of a mosaic floor.
It is here in Caeserea that Paul baptized a Roman officer called Cornelius (Acts 10:34-48).
It is also here where Paul was imprisoned and appealed to Caesar (Acts 25: 4, 8-13
Herod’s dedicatory stone to Pontius Pilate at Caesarea.
Promontory Palace.
Jutting into the sea, just west of the theatre, are the excavated remains of an impressive palace with a pool in it’s western section. The palace dates back to the Roman and Byzantine periods. I was amazed to see the original floor mosaics!
Herod’s swimming pool and Bath House.
This pool and its placement in the center of this particular part of the palace, is bordered on the east by the triclinium (formal dining room) and on the west by additional rooms closer to the sea. The floors of the triclinium and the smaller rooms on each side had elaborate, geometric mosaic floors which can still be seen today. It is hewn into the kurkar sandstone bedrock and shows Herod's exceptional building style.
Many fallen drums, pedestals and capitals were found at the bottom of the pool presumably from rows of columns that framed a peristyle courtyard.
How amazing it is to stand where Herod and friends once stood...
Herodian Amphitheatre.
The remains of the Herodian Amphitheatre - a huge U-shaped entertainment structure, complete with an arena and hundreds of seats, was excavated here. Built by Herod, it was probably used for horse racing, sports events and entertainment shows during the Roman Period. It is the first place where competitors could win gold, silver and bronze medals.
The Theatre.
This is the most ancient of all theatres found in Israel. Built in Herod’s time, it continued to be in use for hundreds of years thereafter. It had two cavea (seating areas) and could accommodate 4000 spectators. Towards the end of the Byzantine period the theatre was converted into a castle, and was deserted after the Arab conquest.
Mount Carmel.
Our next stop was Mount Carmel...Also known as ‘El Muhraka’, Mount Carmel is the place where Elijah challenged and defeated the 450 prophets of Baal. (1 Kings 18:17-40).
It was here in the Jezreel Valley at the Brook Kishon that Elijah executed the 450 prophets of Baal.
Thereafter, he went back up to the top of Mount Carmel to pray for the abundance of rain.
It was also the place that the Shunammite woman goes to Elisha. (2 Kings 4:8-25).
Lastly, for us as bible scholars, this is the place of the battle of Megiddo on the plains of Esdraelon. (Revelation 16:16).
Nazareth.
Back in the bus on on our way to Nazareth, the city of Jesus parents and where Jesus grew up (Mathew 2:19-23), (Luke 2:39-51).
It is also where Jesus would be rejected by the town when He started His ministry (Luke 4:16-30:Matthew 13:53-58).
In the old city, the domed Basilica of the Annunciation is, some believe, where the Angel Gabriel told Mary that she would bear a child.
Today it is known as the ‘Arab capital’ of Israel.
A street in Nazareth leading to the Basilica of the Annunciation which honors the place where the announcement was made by the Angel Gabriel to Mary.
Church of Annunciation.
Inside the church, the lower level contains the Grotto of the Annunciation, believed by many Christians to be the remains of the childhood home of Mary.
There are many Altars within the sanctuary.
Stairs to the upstairs sanctuary...
The Ceiling and The Door
Finally, having travelled via Cana where the home of Nathaniel was (John 21:2) as well as the site of Jesus first miracle (John 2:1-11) and lastly the healing of the nobleman’s son (John 4:46-54) we arrived at our first hotel - The Caesar Hotel.
End of Day 1 Wow! What an amazing day!
More next week!
Comments