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Part IV - The Galilee and the Golan
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| Ancient Beit Shean, once a Roman city, has been extensively excavated to reveal public streets, bath houses, and theaters. Archaeologists claim that when excavations are completed, it will be one of the most impressive reconstructed Roman cities in the Middle East.
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THE TYCHE MOSAIC, BEIT SHEAN | |
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| The Tyche Mosaic, located in a sixth century C.E. Byzantine room, was built into the ruins of a Roman odeom. Many mosaics and marble carvings were unearthed in Beit Shean and are exhibited in a nearby museum.
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| Megiddo, in the fertile Jezreel Valley, is according to the Bible, the site of Armageddon. Archaeologists have unearthed here layers of over 20 cities dating back 3500 years.
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MEGIDDO'S UNDERGROUND WATER SYSTEM | |
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| Megiddo's underground water system, was built by King Ahab some 2800 years ago to protect the city's water supply during sieges. Visitors can |
| explore the damp corridors of this 118 meter (390 foot) water tunnel along with a 61 meter (200 foot) high shaft which served as the system's well.
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| Hatzor, the most important ancient town in northern Galilee, dates back about 18 centuries. The tel, a raised mound which has the layered remains of ancient cities, consists of an |
| acropolis on the highest area, and a lower town. The treasures found here can be viewed in the Israel Museum, located in Jerusalem. Hatzor was the tel which James Mitchner used to fictionalize in his book The Source.
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| On the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee is the remains of the 2nd century C.E. Capernaum Synagogue, said to be built over the remains of the original one where Jesus preached sermons.
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CHURCH OF MULTIPLICATION, TABGA | |
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| In Tabga volunteers repair the mosaic floor of a Byzantine shrine within the newly rebuilt Church of Multiplication, where tradition says Jesus performed the miracle of multiplying a few loaves of bread and fish thus being able to feed over 5000 people.
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| At Korazin, a town where Jesus preached, the ruins of a 3rd4th C.E. century synagogue of black basalt stone have been uncovered.
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| The Bar-Am synagogue, on Israel's northern border with Lebanon, was built in 2nd- 3rd century C.E. The building faces south towards Jerusalem. According to legend the grave of Queen Esther is here, and Purim was celebrated by her graveside with the reading of the Megillah (Scroll of Esther).
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| Beit Shearim, is a 2nd century C.E. necropolis. Inside the dark labyrinths, vaulted chambers are lined with engraved coffins and sarcophagi.
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| Gamla is referred to as the Masada of the North. Here in 67 C.E. the Roman Army conquered the mountain top town, killing 4000 inhabitants and causing another 5000 to commit |
| suicide by jumping to their deaths. Today, school children celebrate their Bar Mitzvah in this ancient synagogue.
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| Belvoir Fortress, built by the Crusaders, offers a commanding view over the Jordan Valley.
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