The Romans in Israel were the ruling power during the time of Jesus’ life, and play a large part in the story of Christmas as well as the crucifixion and then spread of Christianity through the world. They were so influential, you still see leftovers of their presence, even thousands of years later.
So where can you “do as the Romans do” in Israel?
Tiberias
If you take a tour of Israel with Immanuel Tours you will likely spend a few days in the Galilee and most likely you will stay in the town of Tiberias.
Tiberius was named for the Roman Emperor Tiberius and founded during the life of Jesus. He would have known all about the town being established by Herod Antipas. It was built upon an old cemetery, so many refused to live there because it would have been deemed unclean and the Bible doesn’t mention Jesus going there.
What is interesting is that while during Jesus’ time, Jews refused to live there, it eventually became where the Talmud was written and a major hub of Jewish learning.
Caesarea Maritima and the Roman Aqueduct
Another city established during the time of the Romans and named for the Augustus Caesar was Caesarea Maritima. The harbor city was magnificent and right on the Mediterranean Sea.
Much early Christian history happened here, including the Roman centurion Cornelius and his family becoming the first gentiles converts to Christianity in the book of Acts. Later, the early church flourished here, becoming a major hub for learning and Christian thought.
Many things have been discovered in these very obviously Roman ruins. Pontius Pilate, the Roman leader who presided over the trial of Jesus, is thought to have lived here and only to travel to Jerusalem when needed. This was further validated when a stone bearing his name was discovered in the city ruins in 1961.
An ancient aqueduct, a marvel that Rome’s engineers were famous for, is still present at the popular public beach just down the road. This stunning structure was originally built under the order of the infamous Herod the Great, but then was ordered to be redone in 130 AD.
Roads of Romans in Israel
All roads may lead to Rome, but they left quite a few Roman roads in Israel! Prior to Rome’s rule in Israel, most roads were little more than glorified trails. Rome came in and built extensive roads to accommodate moving soldiers and equipment through the land.
One famous road is the pilgrim’s road in Jerusalem that led from the Pool of Siloam where ritual cleansing would take place to the Temple. This road was almost entirely used by those ascending to the Temple and would have certainly been traveled by Jesus and his disciples. What may surprise many is who commissioned the building of the road. It is believed to have been none other than the infamous Pontius Pilate!
The pool and road were all discovered within the last 20 years. The road, which is below modern day Israel, is now available to tours to walk for themselves!
We hope you will come and see all the ways the Roman’s effected Israel on one of our Christian Holy Land Tours!
