The Reconstruction of the Ancient Roman City of Tiberias

An agreement has been made between The Israel Antiquities Authority and the City of Tiberias for the creation of an archaeological park modeled on the Ancient Roman city that existed on the shores of the Sea of Galilee 2,000 years ago. Plans are being made for visitors to enter the park through a recreated ancient Roman gate, and follow the stone walls of the Byzantine city to the cardo, which is the main street that is paved with stone tiles and that leads from the gate to the Roman city. It is reported that the new center will feature a visitor’s center, recreation facilities for children, an amphitheater and more.

When the city of Tiberias was created, the religious Jewish people would not visit the city because it was considered unclean since it was built over an ancient cemetery. However, later the Sanhedrin (the highest rabbinic court during the Second Temple period) was located in Tiberias where the last meeting was held in 425. It was here that the Sanhedrin was recreated in 2004.

When Herod built the city he had a hard time getting the people to come and settle in Tiberias. Later the area became home to the gravesites of several important Torah scholars, including Rabbi Moses Ben Maimon (Rambam), Rabbi Yochanan Ben Zakkai and Rabbi Akiva.