When it comes to historical flair, the ancient port town of Caesarea (or Kesariya) in north-central Israel, originally built by Herod the Great in honor of Augustus Caesar (circa late 1st century BC), still holds on to its Romanized legacy. In fact, the settlement then subsequently served as the provincial capital of the Judaea Province of the Roman Empire, and as such was an important trading hub (bolstered by farming lands) even after the passing of the Romans, till the Fatimid period. Considering all these history-based ‘credentials’, Israeli authorities have decided to restore the once-imposing ancient Roman temple of the 2,000-year old metropolis, aided by a $27 million project.

Credit: Jack Guez/AFP/Getty Images

According to many scholars, this impressive temple was grandiosely conceived, so much so that the massive structure beckoned to travelers and ships from afar, much like the renowned Acropolis of Athens. Architecturally, Caesarea was also accompanied by a slew of other infrastructural features, including a deep sea harbor with built storerooms, markets, connective roads, baths, and large public buildings. These public spaces were complemented by recreational aspects, which in turn allowed this major Roman city to host important sporting events, gladiatorial spectacles and theatrical programs.

 
Suffice it to say, Caesarea is a tourist hot-spot, with estimates of over a million annual visitors being drawn to the expertly-engineered aqueducts and the region’s oldest surviving Roman theater. However the authorities (a collaborative effort between Edmond de Rothschild Foundation, Caesarea Development Corporation, Israel Antiquities Authority and Israel Nature and Parks Authority) are looking forth to triple that number with their ambitious renovation project that aims to make Caeserea a major archaeological site in Israel, second only to Jerusalem. The refurbishment has already started, and researchers are expecting to complete their work on the first phase by this year – comprising restorative measures on the vaults and arches atop the temple platform. Doron Ben-Ami, an archaeologist employed with the antiquities authority, said –

The whole experience of the visitor will be completely different. He will be able to sense the atmosphere and actually understand the essence of the building. This is something that you don’t get at any other archaeological site today.

Figurine depicting the Asclepius, god of medicine, and a shell with a menorah inscribed on it discovered
during the renovation of the ancient harbor of Caesarea. Credit: Reuters/Amir Cohen

It should also be noted that last year (in May, 2016), archaeologists came across what was touted to be the largest hoard of marine-based objects in the last 30 years in Israel, from a wreck of a big merchant ship off the coast of Caesarea. Back then, IAA (Israel Antiquities Authority) had announced that the treasure stash contained both bronze statues and coins, along with other assorted stuff. And interestingly enough, the discovery was made quite by chance when two divers identified the remains of the ancient Roman ship (dating from 4th century AD) and reported back to IAA.

One of the intricate items salvaged from the shipwreck discovered last year.

Source: Reuters / Featured Image Credit: Brigham Young University