A Journey to Israel – Day 2 – Caesarea

This post was contributed by Dr. Laura Mathew:

We left our hotel and headed north, stopping at Caesarea on the Mediterranean Sea. Caesarea Maritima was originally built by Greeks and later occupied by the Romans in 22 B.C. We first walked into an amphitheater that was discovered by accident when archaeologists were excavating an unusually shaped sand dune. This amphitheater is still being used today for various types of performances. Next to it is the Hippodrome, a large 15,000-20,000-seat stadium that was used for horse and chariot races and other athletic competitions. We walked over to the palace where Pontius Pilate once lived, and I was able to stand in the chamber where the Apostle Paul likely stood when he made his appeal to Caesar. There was a beautiful remnant of fresh water swimming pool that now, after earthquakes and other destruction, has merged with the Mediterranean Sea. All around we could see very beautiful architecture in columns, capitals, and even a sarcophagus.

From Caesarea, we went next to see an intricate aqueduct that King Herod built to bring fresh water to the city. It was amazing to see the structure and realize that this system started at the foot of Mount Carmel and traveled 17 kilometers to Caesarea, all by the work of gravity.

Back on the bus we traveled to Mount Carmel where we climbed to the top and saw amazing views of the Jezreel valley, Mount Tabor, and other parts of Israel. This is the same mountain on which Elijah held a contest with the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18). It was easy to imagine Elijah praying to end the drought, and then visualize a small puff of a cloud in the distance that would bring rain from the sea and send him running down the valley to Jezreel.

After Mount Carmel, we traveled to Megiddo, also referred to in the book of Revelation as Armageddon. King David conquered this city then built it up. 20 different layers have been excavated at this large and ancient site, of which David’s city was the 16th layer. Eventually King Solomon (and King Ahab) built a ramp for his many horses and chariots. King Ahab even built an extensive waterway and tunnel system that we walked through. It was amazing to think this waterway brought fresh water into the city.

Lastly, we drove to Nazareth, and instead of going to see the churches there, we went to a precipice. In Luke 4:28-30, the Jews tried to throw Jesus off the cliff – this was likely that cliff! What an exhausting but exhilarating day we had traveling from the Mediterranean Sea to the Sea of Galilee area. More exciting adventures to come tomorrow!

 

Caesarea Maritima:

 

 

 

 

Mount Carmel:

Jezreel Valley from atop Mount Carmel:

Megiddo

Sea of Galilee: