Archaeology

NORTHERN ISRAEL

Northern Israel encompasses some of the most beautiful and historically significant landscapes in the Holy Land. From the lush valleys of the Galilee to the snow-capped peak of Mount Hermon, this region was the backdrop for much of Jesus' ministry and the setting of key Old Testament events.

Caesarea Philippi

Model of the Roman temples in the time of Jesus.

Ruins of the Roman Temples today. Jesus probably came here to escape the crowds because few Jews would come near pagan temples.

Ruins of the Roman temples at Caesarea Philippi with stone foundations and a lone column standing before the cave of Pan carved into the dramatic cliff face, visitors exploring the site

The cave in the background was called the “Gates of Hell or Hades” because of a seemingly bottomless spring that flowed out of it.

Tour group gathered at the entrance of the cave of Pan at Caesarea Philippi, with carved Roman temple niches visible in the dramatic cliff face beside the cave opening

This area was notorious for animal and child sacrifices in ancient times to the god Pan and other deities.

Visitors climbing ancient stone steps through the ruins at Caesarea Philippi with the dramatic cliff face and lush trees in the background, a carved column capital visible in the foreground

Jesus may have been in sight of this place when He asked His disciples “Who do men say that I am,” and Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” With the “Gates of Hell” in the background.

Wide view of the Caesarea Philippi ruins with scattered boulders and temple foundations in the foreground and a tour group gathered at the entrance of the cave of Pan carved into the dramatic cliff face behind them

The head waters of the Jordan River which flow out of the mountain at Caesarea Philippi.

The rushing headwaters of the Jordan River flowing swiftly through lush green vegetation and reeds at the base of the mountain at Caesarea Philippi

The City of Dan

A model of the city of Dan from the time of Abraham.

Detailed architectural model of the ancient city of Dan showing the arched city gate, cobblestone ramp, stone walls with battlements, and tiny figures of a person and a donkey entering the city

This structure was recently discovered. The Bible states that Abraham and his men defeated a coalition of kings near this city to rescue his nephew Lot. The gate was sealed to prevent its collapse.

Ancient mud-brick gate structure at the city of Dan preserved under a protective dome, with a cobblestone ramp leading up to the sealed entrance and earthen mounds on either side

The fortress walls of the Israelite king of Dan from Jeroboam 1st’s time.

Massive ashlar stone fortress walls of the ancient city of Dan from the time of Jeroboam, with tour group members standing at the base examining the well-preserved stonework beneath large trees

The gate of Jeroboam’s city.

Ancient cobblestone road leading through the gap between massive stone walls at the gate of the city of Dan, with mixed fieldstone and ashlar construction and trees framing the blue sky above

Ruins of Jeroboam’s city along with the metal outline of the altar he built for the golden calf worship, to lead his people away from the God of Israel.

Ruins of the ancient city of Dan showing the stone platform of Jeroboam's altar with a modern metal framework outline marking its original dimensions, surrounded by tour groups on the ancient stone steps beneath large trees