Visiting Israel: Roman Ruins

In addition to the many Christian, Jewish, and Islamic religious sites that are spread throughout Israel, there are also plenty of Roman ruins dating back more than 2,000 years. Lost and forgotten for hundreds of years, many of these ruins were only recently uncovered and others are being discovered as excavations continue.

Caesarea was once the Roman headquarters of Israel and figures prominently in the Bible. Herod the Great set out to make this the most beautiful port city around the 1st century BC and today is still one of the most picturesque cities of the Mediterranean. You can visit an impressive collection of Roman ruins here, including the beautifully restored Roman Theater.

Korazim, near the Sea of Galilee, was once a flourishing Roman Jewish town that lay hidden for more than 1,000 years under thick foliage until it was cleared in the late 20th century. The most striking ruin here is the 4th century synagogue that is made of black basalt and decorated with beautifully carved images of grapevines, animals, and people. The newly excavated town gives visitors an authentic feeling for what life was like for the Jewish people more than 1,500 years ago.

Zippori, near Nazareth, was once the capital city of Galilee during Roman times. Here you will find a large and fascinating archaeological park where you can see newly discovered columns, Roman art pieces, and a beautiful mosaic of the zodiac. One of the highlights is the recently uncovered mosaic of a woman that is being called the Mona Lisa of Galilee.