Israel: Caesarea, Mt. Carmel, Armegeddon, and Nazareth

After waking to a gorgeous view of the Mediterranean Sea, we embarked on our first full day of adventure in the country of Israel. We visited the remains of Caesarea, an ancient city and port built by Herod the Great to impress Caesar in Rome (Herod even named the city after him).

The view from our hotel room in the morning

Ruins of the ancient harbor at Ceasarea

King Herod’s Palace — Gary was playing Solomon

Ceasarea’s track where they would race chariots and horses

The remains of the theatre at Ceasarea. It was once 3 stories and could seat more than 4,000 people

The aqueducts that brought fresh water into Ceasarea. In the days of Jesus approx. 50K people lived there. On the other side of the aqueducts is the Mediterranean Sea. For more picts, check out the Israel album.

Visiting Megiddo, an ancient city dating back to King Solomon and even King Ahab’s time. There are 25 layers of civilizations built beneath this area. This picture shows the outer gate built in Solomon’s time. More pics in the Israel album.

Standing on Mt. Carmel where Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal. Looking down at the Valley of Armageddon.

Visiting Nazareth. Here they were recreating what it was like to live in the times of Jesus. This was one of the sheepherders.

Demonstrating the carpentry skills of Joseph and Jesus

The church on the spot where they believe Jesus turned the water into wine during a wedding celebration. Oddly enough, a wedding was happening in the church when we visited.

We ended the night in Tiberius, and went for dinner and a stroll along the shops and restaurants lining the Sea of Galilee.

Recreating the famous scene from the Titanic — well, sort of…