Caesarea Maritima, Herod the Great’s seaside getaway, was remarkable. He built a theatre, amphitheater, hippodrome for chariot races and hunting shows, temple to Caesar, and his summer palace.

The city was highly Roman, hence all the Roman trappings. Herod even staged events in the hippodrome like the emperor did in the Roman Colosseum. Chariot races and staged hunts were the highlight. All this is staged to keep the people’s attention off of hated Rome.

The hunting events were for the viewing spectacle of the audience and the hunters hunted for a variety of prey, from rabbits to lions. The lions usually ended up becoming the hunters, however, with prisoners and Christians providing the prey. A lot of blood spilled in those sands.

Herod’s palace was built on the water. The palace had a swimming pool with fresh water pumped in from miles away. The pool was for refreshment and execution, where enemies were drowned, including two of his own sons.

Caesarea was the only harbor for Israel in the first century. Herod had it completely built, as there was no natural bay or any kind of inlet anywhere along the coast With shipping to Rome taking only ten days, this was a huge deal, both economically and influence-wise.

The mission to spread the Christian Way to Gentiles was launched here in Caesarea with the conversion of Cornelius and his extended family. Christianity spread quickly throughout the Empire and on to Rome itself. Paul used this as a primary launching point for various journey’s and was in prison here for two years, before he was sent to Rome. Philip the Evangelist and his disciples used this city as their base, as well.