Evidence of Pontius Pilate at Caesarea Maritima

18 September 202429 October 2024

Greeted by a gentle breeze, beautiful clear skies and a deep blue Mediterranean, I could not wait to explore one of Israel’s most fascinating archaeological sites, Caesarea Maritima. Dating back to the Phoenicians, this spectacular harbor town was one of King Herod’s most elaborate reconstruction projects in honor of Emperor Augustus. Located between the bustling cities of Tel Aviv and Haifa, the harbor was once known as Stratton’s Tower.

Prosperity flourished in Caesarea during the time of Roman rule and by 6AD it had become the seat of the Roman Governor. During the first Jewish revolt against Rome dating back to 66 AD, Caesarea proved valuable as a military base during the first great Jewish revolt against Rome. Remnants of this empire remained as we strolled through a tunnel beneath the theater at the Caesarea National Park. Gathering for a lecture regarding this former bustling port, I took my seat within the cavea of the theater where I became easily distracted by the seaside views of the harbor.

Built between 22 – 10 BC, Herod’s theater was the first of its kind in Israel. Located along the sea, it was carved into the natural kurkar ridge. The structure seated approximately 4,000 spectators, offering performances from tragedies, comedies and mime. Having undergone several renovations during the Roman and Byzantine period, the theater officially closed in the 5^th century AD.

Documented by historian Josephus, a dramatic event occurred at Caesarea’s theater which included the grandson of Herod the Great, Herod Agrippa I. Agrippa’s rise to power had been based on his friendship with Caligula, son of Tiberias, who gave Herod Agrippa rule over the area of Golan. Claudius, who succeeded Caligula as the new emperor, he in turn, gave Agrippa rule over all Judea. When Caligula insisted that Herod Agrippa discontinue building a wall around Jerusalem, Agrippa disobeyed. Many believed that Herod Agrippa was “aiming for too much dignity and power”. When these rumors reached Agrippa, he decided to celebrate Caligula’s birthday with a series of games held at Caesarea.

As the story of King Agrippa I unfolds, it was documented in the Bible’s New Testament book of Acts (Acts 12:18-23):

“Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers about what had become of Peter. When Herod had sought for him, and didn’t find him, he examined the guards, and commanded that they should be put to death. He went down from Judea to Caesarea, and stayed there. Now Herod was very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon. They came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus, the king’s personal aide, their friend, they asked for peace, because their country depended on the king’s country for food. On an appointed day, Herod dressed himself in royal clothing, sat on the throne, and gave a speech to them. The people shouted, ‘The voice of a god, and not of a man!’ Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him, because he didn’t give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and died.”

In the seventh year of his reign, in 44 AD, he died at the age of 54.

Extensive excavations at the site were carried out between 1959 and 1964. The theater’s stage is wood as it would have been in the time of Herod. An elaborate backdrop of imported granite pillars would have stood behind the stage which was great for projecting sound. A set of stairs leads below the stage where performers would await their entrance. The design of the theater creates an astounding example of exemplary acoustics, where performances of concerts, opera and ballet continue to this day.

Prior to reaching the Promontory Palace of Herod is the archaeological garden where several exhibits explain the use of recycled Roman columns after the harbor was abandoned. The exotic stone of these pillars had been imported from quarries in Egypt, Greece and modern-day Turkey (Asia Minor). A walkway leads through a gated wall remnant of an Umayyad fortress from the 8^th century AD.

The panoramic view extended to the middle harbor as I stood within the ruins of King Herod’s Promontory Palace at Caesarea. Consisting of two tiers, I looked out onto the hippodrome, warehouses and harbor toward the north and towards the Mediterranean, local fishermen throwing in their lines from a stony outcrop extending from the coast.

Not much remains of Herod’s praetorium but a few columns and a rectangular pool which can be seen at the western edge of the courtyard. Beneath the water are the foundations of two story living quarters and mosaic floors from the triclinium.

The upper level of the northern side of the palace is traditionally thought to be the location where Paul argued his defense before Governor Felix, Porcius Festus and the Jewish King Herod Agrippa II. Paul’s two year imprisonment at Caesarea is documented in the New Testament book of Acts (Acts 23:33 – Acts 25:27).

Before exiting the praetorium, an upright stone exhibit has been set aside in the center of the palace. The posted placard explains that this is a replica of an original stone found when the Romans renovated the theater. The Latin inscription states “Tiberium [Pon]tius Pilate [praef]ectus Judaeae” It is the first known documentation of Pontius Pilate as Praefect of Judea, during the first century AD, known for presiding over the trial of Jesus of Nazareth (Matt. 27:11- 26). Archaeologists believe that the stone may have been displayed at a temple built by Pilate in honor of Tiberius Caesar. The original stone is housed at the Israel Museum located in Jerusalem.

As I exited the palace courtyard toward the middle harbor, to my right is Herod’s large amphitheater measuring 950 feet by 165, inaugurated in 11 BC. Twelve rows of seats accommodated nearly 10,000 spectators for chariot races and athletic events. By the second century AD, a hippodrome was added to the complex and during the time of the Crusades, a dungeon was installed at the southern breakwater adjacent to the hippodrome.

Josephus, an early historian documented a Jewish standoff in In 26 AD that took place between the palace and the stadium. The story outlines how the Jewish community was offended when Roman insignia had been brought into their Holy City of Jerusalem. The Jewish laws forbade graven images so they traveled to Caesarea to insist that Pilate, the procurator, remove the ensigns. So, when Pilate refused, the Jews fell prostrate upon the hippodrome and remained in that state for five days and five nights.

When Pilate arrived at the “great stadium” he commanded the Jews to remove themselves, yet they remained loyal to their cause. At this point, Pilate announced that they would be “cut in pieces” if they did not agree to the display of Caesar’s images. The Jews surprised Pilate by offering themselves to be killed rather than go against the laws of God and he relented to their demands, removing the ensigns from Jerusalem (Josephus, War II, 9.2)

Forty years later, procurator Florus, stole money from the Temple of Jerusalem, which spawned the first great Jewish revolt. As a result of the violence, Emperor Titus tortured and executed more than 2500 Jews in Caesarea, most likely in the hippodrome as well. (Josephus, War, VII, 3.1)

Upon entering the Crusader City, there is a dry moat and the original wall dating back to 1250 AD. On the coast near the inner harbor sits the 13^th century Crusader citadel enclosed by walls. During the time of the crusades, the population of Caesarea had dropped to 12,000 residents but the city once again became an important port town until the Mamelukes invade destroying the town of Caesarea.

While Herod’s renovation of Caesarea Maritima was ambitious, his harbor restoration was even more impressive as well as expensive and precarious. Importing pozzolana from Mt. Vesuvius, this innovative hydraulic concrete made from alumina and silicate was used to build an underwater foundation for Herod’s elaborate port, Sebastos. Today, the current harbor boasts a Crusader citadel and mosque as well as contemporary shops and restaurants. Visible from land is a small sheltered inner area and a massive outer area protected by two breakwaters, while most of the other structures rest beneath the Mediterranean Sea.

Unfortunately the harbor was doomed from the start lasting no more than a century before sinking into the Mediterranean. Aerial photographs and underwater excavations have revealed that the outer harbor extended about 65 feet from the shore. In addition to shipwrecks is a large complex to include a temple with statues of Hera and Zeus, thought to have been built to honor Rome and Caesar Augustus. Evidence of a lighthouse built to resemble Pharos, Alexandria’s famous wonder of the world, was uncovered as well as warehouses for storage. Visitors to the Underwater Archaeological Park can explore multiple diving complexes that allow divers to learn about the ground-breaking technology utilized in the construction of the harbor and explore remnants of various shipwrecks along the coast.

By the time Herod rebuilt Caesarea, the aqueduct had long existed and as the city grew, the demand for water increased. An estimated population of 30,000 lived in Caesarea during the Roman period and depended on local wells. With the addition of baths, fountains and latrines, aqueducts were required to sustain the Roman way of life.

Remains of these outstanding waterways exist to the north along the shore and the best way to reach them is by accessing the dirt road one hundred yards from the Crusader City. While some believe that Herod constructed aqueducts during his renovation, Hadrian’s contribution includes a pipeline that extends 11 miles from Mount Carmel.

Caesarea was truly one of the Holy Land’s most significant cities and was a major port of entry from the Mediterranean. Excavations in the 1940s have provided insight to this fabulous port city which was also a Roman military base. While many archaeological finds have been discovered, an amphitheater on the northern side of the park has yet to be unearthed. Much remains to be seen in Caesarea Maritima, one of the most popular archaeological parks in Israel.

Would you add Caesarea Maritima to your Israel itinerary? If you have already visited, what was your favorite part of the park? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my visit to the beautiful port of Caesarea and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Caesarea National Park
Caesarea Maritima, Israel
Telephone: Theater +04-636 1358; Old City +04-636 1010;
Nature Reserves and National Parks (Main office: +02/500-5444)

Admission Fee: Adult: 39 Israeli Shekel; Child: 24 Israeli Shekel; Student: 33 Israeli Shekel; Veteran: 20 Israeli Shekel Group rates are available.
Hours: April 1 through September 30, from 8.00 – 17.00. (Entrance until 16.00)*
October 1 through March 31, from 8.00 – 16.00. (Entrance until 15.00)*
*On Fridays and the eves of Jewish holidays, the sites close one hour earlier. For example, on a Friday in March one must enter by 14.00 and leave by 15.00. The Old City (Crusader city) stays open later because of the restaurants. Check in advance by phone.
Amenities: Historical and religious sites, restrooms, local guides, posted placards, restaurants
Scenic View: The view of the Mediterranean from the Theater
Length of Visit: 2 – 3 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Arrive early in the day or later in the afternoon. Be prepared for large tour groups. Bring bottled water and wear plenty of sunscreen as shade is limited. The site is large, so wear comfortable shoes and attire. Enter at the ticket gate nearest the theater (this southern entrance to the park is the road from the Caesarea Interchange) and ask when the next movie in English is showing. Then proceed straight ahead into the site (restrooms are on the right) to the large white building, housing a commendable media presentation on the history of Caesarea. This serves as an excellent introduction to the site. Then backtrack to Herod’s theater (directly across from the restrooms).

Ancient Caesarea Diving Club
Telephone: +972 4 626 5898

There are several dive options to select for a unique dive experience at Caesarea Maritima. The club also provides dive instruction as well as a dive shop for gear.

Where to Stay:

Caesarea Garden Suite
Neot Golf
Caesarea, Israel
Telephone: +972 54 478 4768

Where to Eat:

Helena at Caesarea Harbor
Caesarea Maritima, Israel
Telephone: +972 4 610 1018

Sample the Norwegian salmon smoked in the cherry tree on a grilled Kyle and a raspberry cream paired with a glass of Yarden Gewurtztraminer from Golan Heights. Save room for “A delight for chocolate and luna” paired with a glass of Muscat wine from Golan Heights Winery.

What to Eat:

Kubbeh is similar to falafal in that it is served in a ball but made with meat and spices then deep fried.
Manqusheh is similar to pizza made with flatbread topped with olive oil and spice (usually za’atar which is similar to thyme)
Ka’ak is a large pretzel like pastry that is usually eaten at breakfast time. Crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, they are readily available at bakeries and roadside stalls.
Potato swirls are similar to french fries, cut and deep fried.
Qatayef is a pancake-style dessert stuffed with cheese, nuts or sugar and spices and are popular during the Ramadan holiday
Kunafeh is a pastry similar to baklava covered in syrup and cheese

What to Read:

Khirbet Khizeh by S. Y. Yizhar
The Hilltop, by Assaf Gavron
Dancing Arabs by Sayed Kashua
The People of Forever are Not Afraid, by Shani Boianjiu
Five Seasons, by A.B. Yehoshua
Twenty-One Stories by S. Y. Agnon
Suddenly, A Knock on the Door by Etgar Keret
Apples from the Desert, by Savyon Liebrecht
From the Four Winds, by Haim Sabato
To the End of the Land, by David Grossman
A Tale of Love and Darkness, by Amos Oz

Photo Guide for Israel:

The Western Wall for a religious experience
Jaffa’s Old Town for its charm
The Dead Sea for its interesting topography
Caesarea Harbor and its Roman architecture and history are worth a visit
Arbel National Park and Nature Reserve provides a phenomenal view of the Sea of Galilee
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Old City Jerusalem is said to be the burial location of Jesus
The view of the Temple Mount from the Mount of Olives

Disclosure: Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

Entering the Theater

Archaeological Park at Caesarea Maritima

Caesarea Maritima

Herod’s Palace

The Nymphaeum at Caesarea Maritima

The Crusader City at Caesarea Maritima

Byzantine Bathhouse

The Roman Forum: The Sacred Road of Julius Caesar

19 September 202323 September 2024

Strolling along the smooth, round stones of the Via Sacra, I am reminded that “all roads lead to Rome”. To imagine that I was standing at the epicenter of one of the world’s most fascinating civilizations, was hardly a moment I would soon forget. The ancient ruins ahead were a myriad of fragments representing structures that had been constructed over a span of centuries. Other historical buildings remained intact, miraculously surviving the destruction of war and years of plunder.

During the height of its power, Roman streets would have been crowded like a modern day New York City. Religious temples and political basilicas co-mingled together at the heart of Rome’s Republic. Prominent partisan figures settled legal disputes and made daily decisions to keep order among its citizens. While public orators stood on street podiums shouting over the crowds to provide news-worthy updates, the populace remained informed.

The Sacra Via was the most important road of central Rome during the height of its rule. Over the years the Forum’s landscape would undergo several changes as the “sacred road” had to adapt to its reconstruction and restoration. Roman rulers left their mark within the Forum removing monuments and temples only to replace them with their own.

Our first introduction into Roman politics includes a stop at the Basilica of Constantine, also referred to as the Basilica Maxentius. Not to be confused with a place of worship, this Basilica, with its three large arches was considered ancient Rome’s judicial system. What remains is only about one-third of the size of the structure and another set of arches would have stood opposite along the Via Sacra. The space in between was a large hall that would have been as long as a football field made of marble and full of statues, including a gargantuan statue of Constantine, sitting on his throne at the west end of the basilica. The hand of Constantine shows the enormous size of the statue, which is on display in Rome’s Capitoline Museums.

Because the Romans believed that their gods played a major part in the ongoing success of Rome, temples were built to worship these deities to keep them happy. Each god represented an important facet of everyday life. For example, the god of Saturn provided oversight for wealth, agriculture, liberation and time. The Romans also believed that the Emperors of Rome became gods once they had died and temples were erected in their honor as well, such as the Temple of Antoninus Pius and Faustina. The price they must have paid to guarantee their immortality.

When the temple was first erected, the tall, 50-foot Corinthian columns would have supported a triangular pediment displaying a number of brightly colored statues. An inscription on the lintel identifies Antoinus Pius and his wife, Faustina, “divo” and “divae”, representing the deification of the couple. During the medieval times, the structure was pillaged as evidenced by the diagonal marks on the marble pillars.

Since the 12^th century, the temple has been occupied by a church and the green door was once level with the street during the time of Michelangelo. It wasn’t until the 1800s, when the excavation of the site uncovered the long staircase which leads to the current Sacra Via.

The most sacred location in all of ancient Rome was undoubtedly the Temple of Vesta. Only three short columns remain of the circular temple dedicated to the Roman family, where an eternal flame once stood. This holy light was tended by a small group of priestesses known as the Vestal Virgins, who were responsible for keeping the torch lit at all times. Should the light go out, the virgin responsible for manning the flame would be flogged as punishment.

Nearby, located across from the Temple of Romulus, stands the remains of the Atrio delle Vestali (House of the Vestal Virgins). Once a beautiful two-story building, the House of the Vestal Virgins accommodated a small group of elite young ladies who dedicated the prime of their lives to the service of Vesta, the goddess of the hearth and patron of the state.

Selected from the noble families of Rome before the age of ten, this revered organization of girls lived together for a period of thirty years, taking a vow of chastity. If the Vestal Virgin completed her term of service, she was offered a large dowry and could finally marry. However, if she did not adhere to the requirements of her role, she was buried alive.

Each emperor expanded his residence and added more space to his royal palaces. The Palaces of Caligula and Tiberius were initially built upon Palatine Hill, but over time, extended down the hill into the Roman Forum. Although very little remains of the Palace, the underground passageway still exists. Connecting the palace to the Clivus Paltinus Road and the Casa di Livia, this corridor may have well been the location where Caligula was stabbed to death in 41AD.

Our tour guide identified the various points of interest within the Forum to include several temples. All that remains of the prestigious Temple of Castor and Pollux are the three marble, Corinthian columns. Built in the fifth century BC, it is the oldest structure and most photographed site in the Forum. The Romans believed that Castor and Pollux, the sons of Jupiter appeared to water their horses at the Sacred Springs of Juturna and therefore a temple was built in their honor.

At the height of Rome’s power, the city exceeded one million residents. Living in tiny apartments or nearby tents, the area was busy, crowded and dangerous. In addition to crime, fires would break out, destroying the residential structures built mainly of wood.

One of the most popular locations, identified with flowers and cards is the Temple of Julius Caesar (Ara di Cesare). A modest structure with a metal roof marks the spot where Julius Caesar’s body was cremated after his assassination. The temple represents the deification of one of Rome’s most successful Emperors, making Caesar the first Roman leader to become a god.

Compared to the simple memorial for Julius Caesar, the Basilica Aemilia was anything but ordinary. Built in the 2^nd century BC, this meeting hall served as Rome’s local courts to settle a variety of civil disputes and civic matters and handled the enforcement of legal agreements. As a litigious city, it was no doubt the basilica required so much space.

Within close proximity to the Basilica Aemilia was the Curia (Senate House), a political meeting space where the elected Senators of Rome determined the laws of the land. First designed in the 7^th century BC, the Curia was the center of government when Rome became a Republic. The Senate’s President sat at one end while three tiers of wooden seats provided circular seating across from him where they conducted debates. The Comitium, located in front of the Curia is where the Popular Assembly met.

While Julius Caesar was murdered in the Senate House, it was not at this location. At the time of his death, a temporary meeting place had been established across town.

During Caesar’s funeral, it was Mark Antony who gave the eulogy on the elevated podium known as the Rostrum. Built for public announcements, the 10 foot high, 80 foot long platform was a place for citizens to exercise their freedom of speech, while political officials would publicly voice their opinions on a number of partisan issues.

Although the Arch of Septimus Severus is within view of the Rostrum, the structure was not completed until 203 AD, long after Julius Caesar had passed. The triple arch, standing six stories high, represented Severus’ conquest over the Parthians (modern Iran). I have always been fascinated with the arches of the Forum and the propaganda displayed through a series of reliefs and roundels. Etched into the marble, travertine and brick, the Emperors would document their victories forever in stone.

While the Romans loved to build temples in honor of their rulers, the sanctuaries to their gods were just as important to them. They believed that their prosperity and good fortune depended on the happiness of their gods, so they built many shrines to appease them. Many of the structures also served a dual purpose, such as the Temple of Saturn , first built in 495 BC which housed the Aerarium, the state treasury. The wealth and riches from Rome’s conquests would have been stored in the pedestal of the statue of Saturn. Eight Ionic columns and a section of the frieze remains of the entrance to the temple, which was the most honorable shrine in the Forum.

The last monument erected in the forum is a lonely Corinthian column to the left of the Temple of Vespasian and Titus, the Column of Phocas. While the western empire ended in September of AD 476, Phocas became the Byzantine Emperor in Constantinople until he was overthrown in AD 610. By the time the memorial was dedicated to Emperor Phocas in AD 608, the city of Rome was in decline and would eventually come to an end.

So, while our tour did not last as long as the Roman Empire, it too came to an end and we were offered the opportunity to roam the ruins for an additional thirty minutes. Before making our way towards the exit, our guide pointed out a set of brick ruins next to the Arch of Septimius Severus identified as the Umbilicus Urbis. She noted that it was the oldest set of ruins within the Forum and was considered to be the “center of the world”. It was from this point, that all distances from within the Roman Empire were measured. While Rome was once the most powerful epicenter of civilization, it was quickly abandoned in the 7^th century AD, It would take over 1,000 years for this ancient metropolis to be rediscovered and later still to become one of Rome’s most visited historical attractions.

What were your thoughts as you explored the Roman Forum? Do you have another ancient civilization that has inspired you? I would love to hear about your adventures if you would kindly leave a comment below. Many thanks for reading about my visits to the Roman Forum and wishing you many Happy Travels.

What to See and What to Do:

Roman Forum
Via della Salara Vecchia, 5/6
00186 Roma RM, Italy
Telephone; +39 06 0608

Admission Fee: 12 Euros per adult, children under the age of 17 are free; The Admission Fee includes entrance into the Palatine Hill and the Colosseum.
Bus/Train Information: Buses 40, 44, 84, 780 and 810; Metro Station – Colosseo, line B- (blue)
Hours: Open daily from 8:30AM to 3:30PM (closed January 1^st and December 25^th) The ticket counter closes one hour before closing time. Confirm with the Roman Forum’s website: https://turisimoroma.it/cosa-fare/fori
Amenities: audio headsets, tour guides (additional charge)
Audio Guides and Guided Tours: Audio guides are available for a nominal fee.
Length of the Tour: 2 – 3 hours total
Tips for Your Visit: Your ticket to the Roman Forum includes The Colosseum and Palatine Hill. For security reasons, it is strictly forbidden to enter the attraction with backpacks, camping equipment, bulky bags, luggage or trolley. Medium and small-sized backpacks are permitted, but may be screened by metal detectors. Bags may also be opened and visually inspected by security. Wear comfortable shoes and bring your water bottle to refill at the drinking fountains.

Where to Stay:

Hotel Forum Roma
Via Tor de’ Conti, 25, 00184
Rome, Italy
Telephone: +39 06 67 92 446

We lucked out finding this gem of a hotel in the midst of ancient Rome. Make sure to stop by the Roof Garden Restaurant for spectacular views.

Where to Eat:

Iari the Vino
Via del Colosseo, 5
Rome, Italy
Telephone: +39 06 6919 1069

I have to give Peter credit for finding this fabulous spot for lunch. I thoroughly enjoyed the Calamari salad and he ordered the lasagna. Deliciouso!

Trattoria Da Enzo
Via dei Vascellari, 29,
00153, Roma, RM, Italy
Telephone: +39 06 581 2260

This restaurant is outstanding for its artichokes, carbonara dishes and Cacio e Pepe

What to Eat:

Artichokes: steamed or fried
Cacio e Pepe: Cacio is a type of cheese from Rome’s countryside made from sheep’s milk. The dish is served over pasta and seasoned by black pepper.
Carbonara: creamy white pasta served with pancetta and noodles
Gelato: You have not had gelato until you have had it in Rome!
Maritozzi is a popular breakfast pastry with chocolate chips served with espresso. Some maritozzi are filled with cream as well.
Pecorino Romano cheese
Pizza al Taglio is Rome’s answer to pizza with red sauce, meats, vegetables and cheeses. I also love the Italian margarita pizza with red sauce, mozzarella cheese and topped with basil.
Porcetta: Pork wrapped around herbs and roasted on a spit
Saltimbocca is a dish made with veal and sage wrapped in prosciutto, cooked in white wine and butter.
Suppli is considered an Italian snack made of rice and meat with tomato sauce and filled with mozzarella cheese and then deep-fried. It reminds me of arancini in the US.

Where to Drink:

Il Goccetto (for wine)
Via dei Banchi Vecchi, 14
00186, Roma RM, Italy
Telephone: +39 06 9944 8583

Terrazza Borromini
Via di Santa Maria dell’Anima, 30A
00186 Roma RM, Italy
Telephone: +39 06 6821 5459

While the drinks are pricey, it will be worth the cost for the fabulous views.

What to Read:

Imperium, by Robert Harris
Roma, by Steven Saylor
SPQR, by Mary Beard
The Twelve Caesars, by Robert Grave

Photo Guide for Rome:

Campo de’ Fiori for photos of the market
The Colosseum
Monti for upscale boutiques, restaurants and vintage stores
The Pincio Terrace overlooking Piazza del Popolo in northern Rome
The top of St. Peter’s Basilica
Trastevere neighborhood for scenic alleyways, artisan workshops, the piazza at sunset, and tiny boutiques. Find the corner of Vicolo delle Torro off of Via della Lungaretta for photo-worthy pics.
Trevi Fountain