In a country full of ruins, Beit Shean stands out for its exceptional preservation. With its colonnaded streets, well-restored theatre, and extensive bathhouse remains, you can get a real sense of life in a Roman and Byzantine town.
The area was settled around 6000 years ago, during the Chalcolithic era. Since then, it has been continuously inhabited. Extensive excavation of a large mound has revealed over 20 layers of ancient civilizations’ remains. Canaanite temples predate Egyptian occupation of the region, which was followed by Israelite and Philistine rule during the Old Testament period. The name appears several times in the Bible and is famous for being the location where King Saul and his sons were hanged from the city walls. During the reigns of King David and King Solomon, the city remained a significant metropolis.
Stroll the once-mighty streets, explore the extensive ruins, and sit in the theatre where the cultural life of the Roman city was performed.
It’s a fantastic piece of ancient history that any history buff should see.
Avoid the crowds of pilgrims by taking a walk along the walls that still surround the old city. Explore the city’s fantastic museums and get lost in the maze of lanes fought over by kings, Crusaders, and conquerors.