Caesarea Maritima, Israel

City:

Caesarea Maritima

State, Province, Region, or District:

Central District, Sharon Plain

Country:

Israel

Overview

Caesarea Maritima (“by the Sea”) is an ancient port city located on the Mediterranean coast of Israel, about halfway between Tel Aviv and Haifa. This port city is often referred to as Caesarea Maritima (‘Caesarea by the sea’) to distinguish it from Caesarea Philippi (now known as Banias). Both were ancient Roman cities in Israel but were in different parts of the country and had different purposes.

Caesarea Maritima was built by Herod the Great about 25 to 13 BC on the site of a Phoenician and Greek trade post known as Strato's Tower. The port city was named after the Roman Emperor, Augustus Caesar, the first Roman Emperor to declare himself a god. He demanded to be worshiped, and a temple was built here to honor and worship Caesar Augustus as a god. Caesarea Maritima was the largest seaport in the Roman Empire during the time of Herod and was the capital of Israel during the time of Christ and the whole Roman occupation of Israel.

During the Roman and Byzantine periods, Caesarea Maritima was an important center of trade and commerce. It was also the capital of the Roman province of Judea, and the site of numerous historical events (many recorded in the book of Acts), including the trial of the apostle Paul and the conversion of the Roman governor Cornelius to Christianity.

Today, Caesarea Maritima is an archaeological site that contains many impressive ruins and artifacts from its ancient past. Visitors can explore the remains of Herod’s palace, the Roman theater, the hippodrome, the aqueduct, the Crusader city, and the harbor. There is also a museum on site that displays many of the artifacts that have been discovered during the excavations.

In addition to its historical and archaeological significance, Caesarea Maritima is also a popular tourist destination because of its beautiful beaches and modern marina, which offer a variety of water sports and recreational activities.

Alternate Names

“Caesarea as near Sebastos,” Caesarea of Straton, Caesarea of Palestine, Caesarea Palaestinae, Colonia Prima Flavia Augusta Caesariensis, Herodian Caesarea, Horvat Qesari, Kaisariyeh, Kessaria, “Metropolis of the province Syria Palaestina,” Migdal Shorshon, Qaisariya, Qaisariyeh, Qaysariyah, Qesari, Qisri, Qisrin, Strato's Tower, Straton's Caesarea, Straton's Tower, Turris Stratonis

Geography & Location

Caesarea is located approximately 60 miles northwest of Jerusalem, along the Mediterranean coast in the Sharon Plain between Dor (8 miles south) and Joppa (32 miles north).

Biblical, Historical, & Archaeological Background Information

History

Architecture

Caesarea Maritima's architecture showcases a blend of Hellenistic and Roman influences, featuring engineering marvels like the artificial harbor and aqueducts that supplied the city with water. Its monumental buildings include the promontory palace, a hippodrome with permanent seating, an Italian-style theater, and a large temple complex. During the Byzantine period, the city saw continued use and new constructions, including an octagonal church complex, with a growing emphasis on imported and recycled marble for decoration.

Biblical & Historical References

Caesarea Maritima was the headquarters of Pontius Pilate and from here the Roman procurator set out for the Passover festival in Jerusalem, where he sentenced Jesus to death (John 19).

Spiritual Lessons and Application

It's very likely that early Christians were martyred in the hippodrome here for their faith. What price are we willing to pay for our faith in Christ?

Etymology

Caesarea Maritima comes from the Latin name Caesarea, meaning "Caesar," and the Greek term Maritima, or Latin maritima, meaning "by the sea". The city was built by Herod the Great and named Caesarea in honor of the Roman Emperor Augustus Caesar. The qualifier Maritima was added later in modern times to distinguish it from other cities named Caesarea, such as Caesarea Philippi (now known as Banias).