I Appeal To Caesar!

Happy Time in Caesarea

Paul has been in Caesarea previously, coming with his parents to Jerusalem for the Jewish Feast Days. Most of the team, however, are visiting for the first time. The harbor does provide a spectacular sight. The great breakwater extends out into the sea, giving full protection to the ships and boats anchored there. The team have seen the large harbor in Athens, Greece, but Caesarea’s harbor is even bigger! The team is fascinated by the distant sight of the large fifteen-mile, stone-arched aqueduct that brings water from northern mountains to supply the city’s needs. They also stare in wonder at several Roman battleships in the harbor. To say they are impressed is an understatement! As the ship enters the port, the Temple of Augustus on a hill directly before them draws everyone’s attention. This Temple houses one main attraction, the statue of the great emperor Augustus’ (twice the size of a man). The emperor is in full battle armor in his war chariot and is surrounded by white marble columns. * * * * * Caesarea is indeed a Roman city, an important military base that maintains the Roman presence in the eastern Mediterranean. It is a high command post, with both regular troops and also an unusual number of ranking officers (men of education, influence and experience). The city itself has all the amenities of Rome: a large theater (seating 3,500), a horseracing track, an arena, beautiful buildings and suitable military housing, and of course attractive shops and an outdoor shopping mall with an amazing assortment of fruits and vegetables.