"Caesarea" Caesarea by FruitLover

Caesarea was a planned city, with a network of crisscrossing roads, a temple, theatre, amphitheatre, markets and residential quarters. It took 12 years to build, and great festivities were held to mark its completion in 10-9 BCE. The city transformed rapidly into a great commercial center, and by the year 6 BCE became the headquarters of the Roman government in Palestine.
The high-level aqueduct, which brought water from Shuni springs 7.5 KM northeast of Caesarea, served as a source of water for the prospering city. Its population included Jews and gentiles, but conflicts among them were one of the important causes of the Great Revolt that erupted in 66 BCE. Caesarea served as base for the Roman legions who dealt with the quelling of the revolt, and it was here that their commanding general Vespasian was declared Caesar. The city received the status of 'colony' and after the fall and destruction of Jerusalem, became the most important city in the country.

Pagans, Samaritans, Jews and Christians lived here in the 3rd and 4th centuries CE.

Caesarea National Park is situated on the Mediterranean coast in Northern Sharon, between the Crocodile and Hadera Rivers mouths. It lies alongside bays and shallow inlets that were formed by wave erosion in the KURKAR range. These bays were utilized throughout history for the anchorage of sea-going vessels.