Day #1 in the Holy Land

Yesterday was our first full day in Israel. We visited Caesarea, built by King Herod to demonstrate not only his strength and wealth but also his new allegiance to the Romans. Like all Roman cities of the time, it included a theater, a hippodrome, and a temple. I hadn't realized that it was the Romans who coined the phrase "bread and circus" - they understood well that if you keep your people fed and entertained, they are highly unlikely to take issue with their government.
Herod created a sort of concrete made with volcanic ash that he used to create new land in the sea. Most of what was built on this Herod-made land has been eroded over time and is visible only to SCUBA divers - how incredible would that be?!? - but you can see some parts that are still above the water. Here, for instance, is what remained of a palace replete with a swimming pool in the center.
Nearby was an incredible example of a Roman aqueduct, which was necessary in Israel, 60% of which is desert. Mind-blowing architecture and engineering.
Oh, and Paul was imprisoned here in Caesarea for two years. Hard to know what his living situation was really like, but if one could build a home here now the views would be absolutely stunning!
So much more to reflect on . . . but it's time for breakfast and the start of Day #2! More later.

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