Tiberias, Israel: Forgotten Roman gem

[guy]

An ancient Roman and Byzantine bathhouse unearthed in Tiberias lies neglected, under piles of garbage and housing a homeless person, October 19, 2021. (Michael Bachner/Times of Israel)

Many Roman ruins throughout the Roman Empire have yet to be excavated. The city of Tiberius, Israel is no exception.

Tiberius was established in 20 AD and named after the Emperor Tiberius. The city became increasingly important in Ancient Judea, especially after the first Jewish War (66-73 AD) when the city stayed neutral in the conflict.

Unfortunately, until recently, this important cultural and historical site has been ignored. Many of the ancient artifacts have been vandalized and stolen. Funding is now planned to make this area into a national park and international tourist destination like Caesarea.

 

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“If we want to get an idea about the significance of the Tiberias sites, they can be compared to those of Caesarea and be referred to as ‘Caesarea of the Galilee,'” she told The Times of Israel. “Not only because there is a theater and other ancient sites, but also because Tiberias was founded by Herod Antipas, the son of [Caesarea founder] Herod the Great.”

Tiberias was a cosmopolitan center and the single most important Jewish city in the land of Israel for centuries after the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in 70 CE.

 

The stage of the newly excavated Roman theater at Tiberias. The theater, which seated 7,000, was one feature of the Roman metropolis built here two millennia ago. (photo credit: Matti Friedman/The Times of Israel)

 

https://www.timesofisrael.com/after-years-of-neglect-rare-opportunity-opens-up-for-tiberias-archaeological-gems/

 

https://www.timesofisrael.com/long-neglected-ancient-tiberias-comes-back-to-life/amp/

 

 

Edited April 24, 2022 by guy