Caesarea Maritima, the capital of the Roman province of Judaea / Palaestina, was founded in 10/9 BCE by Herod the Great to serve as an administrative and economic center. It was named after his Roman patron Caesar Augustus, the first Roman emperor. The book, well illustrated, presents the results of the large scale excavations at the site during the 1990’s and early 2000’s in their wider historical and cultural context: the architectural evolution and transformation of the thriving city from its foundation to its decline caused by the Arab conquest (640/41 CE), its conversion to a Roman colony in 71 CE, aspects of provincial administration, commerce and economy, entertainment and religious life of its communities – Jews, Pagans, Christians and Samaritans.

The book, well illustrated, presents in a wider historical-cultural context the results of the archaeological explorations (1990’s to early 2000’s) at Caesarea Maritima, the provincial capital of Roman Judaea/Palaestina, where Jews, Pagans, Christians and Samaritans lived side by side.

This deluxe volume on Caesarea, climaxing new excavations in 1992-95, discusses comprehensively a famous ancient city's archaeology, history and culture. New discoveries include the amphitheater and royal palace, temple dedicated to Roma and Augustus, and the spectacular artificial harbor explored under water.