Ancient BuildingTzippori (צִפּוֹרִי)

Ancient Town Sepphoris (‏צִפּוֹרִי‎, Σέπφωρις, Diocaesarea, ‏صفورية‎)

Ancient Town Sepphoris (‏צִפּוֹרִי‎, Σέπφωρις, Diocaesarea, ‏صفورية‎)

The ancient town can be visited

The ancient city of Sepphoris, also known as Diocaesarea, is a significant historical site in northern Israel. Situated on a hill approximately 254 meters above sea level, it was once a flourishing center of Galilee and today impresses with well-preserved archaeological evidence of a rich past.

History+

As early as the 1st century BCE, Sepphoris was a fortified city. It became embroiled in the conflict between Herod the Great and Matthias Antigonus and was conquered by Herod. After his death in 4 BCE, Judah, son of Hezekiah, led a revolt, after which the city was completely destroyed by Publius Quinctilius Varus. Herod Antipas rebuilt Sepphoris under the name Autokratoris and made it the center of his tetrarchy before moving to Tiberias. Under Emperor Antoninus Pius, the city was renamed Diocaesarea and later became an episcopal see. In the 12th century, the Crusaders built a castle and the St. Anne's Church here.

Location+

Sepphoris is located near the moshav Tzippori in the Northern District of Israel, at an elevation of approximately 254 m above sea level.

On site+

Today, visitors can explore the remains of the ancient city of Sepphoris. Archaeological excavations have uncovered a Roman theater, a civic basilica with mosaic floors and wall paintings, and a synagogue featuring impressive mosaics depicting, among other things, the god Helios and the zodiac. Parts of the complex water supply system are also accessible.

Nearby+
  • Crusader Castle Le Saffran (Fortress), approx. 12.0 km away
  • Ancient City of Megiddo (Ancient Buildings), approx. 20.6 km away
  • Ancient City of Tiberias (Ancient Buildings), approx. 24.7 km away
  • Crusader Castle Acre (Fortress), approx. 27.4 km away

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Source: Wikipedia · Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0 · Image: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Cipori154.jpg

This description draws on the facts documented in the linked Wikipedia article; Wikipedia content is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Wording and editing: Mobile History.

Location: 32.7523, 35.2808