Caesarea was built between 25-13 B.C. by King Herod, and named after Roman Emperor Augustus Caesar. Caesarea is on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea located approximately 80 miles northwest of Jerusalem and 30 miles north of Tel Aviv. Herod the Great established a man-made harbor in Caesarea and also built one of his palaces here. The palace was known for a fresh-water swimming pool that extended out into the Mediterranean. Most of the harbor has disappeared due to earthquakes and changes in sea level over the centuries.
Picture of Caesarea Harbor in Herod’s time.
Picture of harbor today. Shadows in water are remains of original harbor.
This is a section of the city wall built by the Crusaders in the early 1250’s.
Ruins from a later harbor (not Herod’s).
Herod’s palace ruins.
What’s left of Herod’s swimming pool.
Amphitheater from first century BC that is still used today. Limestone seats are quite hard.
Onstage at the amphitheater.
Aqueduct supplying fresh water from Mt. Carmel to Caesarea (approx. 12 miles) built by Herod.
Another section of the aqueduct.
Aqueduct with Mediterranean Sea in background.
After a short driving tour of Caesarea we departed for Akko, an ancient city approximately 30 miles north.
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