Ancient Town Emmaus Nicopolis

The first mention of Emmaus dates back to the 2nd century BCE in the context of the wars of Judas Maccabeus. During the Hasmonean era, Emmaus developed into an important regional administrative center. Flavius Josephus reports the city's destruction in 4 BCE. In the 2nd century CE, Emmaus was settled by Romans and Samaritans. At the beginning of the 3rd century CE, at the request of the scholar Julius Africanus, Emperor Elagabal elevated Emmaus to city status, giving it the name Nicopolis. During the Byzantine period, Emmaus Nicopolis was an episcopal see with a large church complex. After the Muslim conquest in the 7th century CE, the city regained its old Semitic name Amwas and lost its significance. During the Crusades, the Christian presence experienced a revival, and the Byzantine church was restored. In 1967, the Arab village of Amwas was completely destroyed during the Six-Day War.

The ancient city of Emmaus Nicopolis is located in Imwas, in the Ramallah and Al-Bireh district in the West Bank, Palestinian Territories. It lies at an elevation of approx. 229 m above sea level.

Today, the ancient city of Emmaus Nicopolis can be visited. Visitors have the opportunity to explore the remains of this historic site.

• Crusader Castle Latrun (fortress), approx. 1.1 km away
• Crusader Castle Belveer (fortress), approx. 15.4 km away
• Crusader Castle Cola (Qula) (fortress), approx. 22.2 km away
• New Gate (city fortification), approx. 23.4 km away