Ancient Town Tiberias (‏טבריה‎, ‏طبرية‎)

Tiberias was founded around 17 AD by Herod Antipas, who named the city in honor of the Roman Emperor Tiberius. As early as 19 AD, it took over the function as the capital of the Tetrarchy of Galilee-Perea from Sepphoris. Originally built in a Roman-Greek style with magnificent palaces and typical structures like a forum and theater, it was initially avoided by devout Jews because it was constructed over a Jewish cemetery. However, after the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD, Tiberias developed into a central spiritual and religious hub of Judaism. Significant works such as the Mishnah, the Gemara, and the Palestinian Talmud were completed here. In 637, the city fell to Muslim Arabs but continued to be inhabited by Jews. Crusaders conquered Tiberias in 1099, fortified it, and made it the center of the Principality of Galilee. After the devastating Battle of Hattin in 1187, Sultan Saladin conquered the city. In the 13th century, control changed hands several times until the city was destroyed by an Egyptian army in 1247. It was only under Ottoman rule in the 16th century that resettlement and the reconstruction of the city walls took place. Earthquakes and floods in the 19th and 20th centuries led to further destruction and rebuilding.

The ancient city of Tiberias is located in the modern city of Tiberias in the Northern District of Israel, directly on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. It lies at an elevation of approximately -201 m below sea level.

The remains of the ancient city of Tiberias are now accessible to visitors and can be explored. Archaeological excavations are ongoing, and there are plans to reopen the ancient amphitheater to the public.

• Ancient City of Bethsaida (Ancient Structures), approx. 17.1 km away
• Ancient City of Gadara (Ancient Structures), approx. 18.4 km away
• Crusader Castle Belvoir (Fortress), approx. 20.2 km away
• Ancient City of Sepphoris (Ancient Structures), approx. 24.7 km away