Caesarea: A Journey Through Time

• Helloשָׁלוֹם
  [shalom]
• Goodbyeלְהֵיתָר
  [lehitra]
• Yesכֵּן
  [ken]
• Noלא
  [lo]
• Please/You're welcomeבבקשה
  [bevakasha]
• Thank youתודה
  [todah]
• Excuse me/Sorryסליחה
  [slicha]
• How are you?איך אתה?
  [ech ata?]
• Fine. And you?טוב. ואתה?
  [tov. veata?]
• Do you speak English?אתה מדבר אנגלית?
  [ata medaber anglit?]
• I don't understandאני לא מבין
  [ani lo mevin]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseאני רוצה לראות את התפריט, בבקשה
  [ani rotse lir'ot et hataprit, bevakasha]
• I don't eat meatאני לא אוכל בשר
  [ani lo ochel basar]
• Cheers!לחיים!
  [lechayim!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseאני רוצה לשלם, בבקשה
  [ani rotse lishlem, bevakasha]

• Help!עזור!
  [ezor!]
• Go away!לך לך!
  [lech lech!]
• Call the Police!תקרא למשטרה!
  [tikra lemishtara!]
• Call a doctor!תקרא לרופא!
  [tikra larofe!]
• I'm lostאני אבוד
  [ani avud]
• I'm illאני חולה
  [ani holeh]

• I'd like to buy...אני רוצה לקנות...
  [ani rotse liknot...]
• I'm just lookingאני רק רואה
  [ani rak roeh]
• How much is it?כמה זה עולה?
  [kama ze ole?]
• That's too expensiveזה יקר מדי
  [ze yakar midei]
• Can you lower the price?אתה יכול להוריד את המחיר?
  [ata yachol lehorid et hamachir?]

• What time is it?כמה השעה?
  [kama hasha'a?]
• It's one o'clockהשעה חד
  [hasha'a chad]
• Half past (10)חצי אחרי (10)
  [chatzi acharei (10)]
• Morningבוקר
  [boker]
• Afternoonצהריים
  [tsohorayim]
• Eveningערב
  [erev]
• Yesterdayאתמול
  [temol]
• Todayהיום
  [hayom]
• Tomorrowמחר
  [machar]
• 1אחת
  [achat]
• 2שתיים
  [shtayim]
• 3שלוש
  [shalosh]
• 4ארבע
  [arba]
• 5חמש
  [chamesh]
• 6שש
  [shesh]
• 7שבע
  [sheva]
• 8שמונה
  [shmoneh]
• 9תשע
  [tesha]
• 10עשר
  [eser]

• Where's a/the...?איפה נמצא...
  [eifo nimtza...]
• What's the address?מה הכתובת?
  [ma hakatovet?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?אתה יכול להראות לי (על המפה)?
  [ata yachol leha'ot li (al hamapa)?]
• When's the next (bus)?מתי האוטובוס הבא?
  [matai haotobus haba?]
• A ticket (to ....)כרטיס (ל...)
  [kartis (le...)]

Caesarea Maritima, often simply known as Caesarea, was founded by Herod the Great in 22-10 BCE. Named in honor of Augustus Caesar, the city served as a major port and administrative center. Herod constructed an elaborate harbor, Sebastos, which showcased Roman engineering prowess and included storerooms, markets, wide roads, temples, and public buildings.

Under Roman rule, Caesarea became the capital of the Roman province of Judea around 6 CE. The city flourished as a hub of commerce and culture, boasting impressive structures such as the Roman theater, aqueduct, and the Herodian amphitheater. It was a melting pot of various cultures, including Jews, Romans, and Samaritans.

Caesarea holds a pivotal place in Christian history. It is where the Apostle Peter baptized Cornelius the Centurion, marking the first recorded instance of a Gentile converting to Christianity, as detailed in the Acts of the Apostles. Additionally, the city was home to the early Christian theologian Origen and later became a significant center for Christian scholarship.

During the Byzantine period (4th-7th centuries CE), Caesarea continued to thrive. It became an important center of Christian learning and saw the construction of new churches and a cathedral. The city's prominence is evidenced by its mention in the Madaba Map, a 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land.

In 640 CE, Caesarea was conquered by Muslim forces, marking the city's gradual decline. Although it remained a significant town, the construction of new Islamic cities like Ramla shifted the region's focus. The Crusades temporarily revitalized Caesarea, but it was eventually abandoned following the Mamluk conquest in 1265 CE.

Under Ottoman rule from the 16th to early 20th centuries, Caesarea was a small, relatively insignificant village. The modern era brought renewed interest in the city's rich history. Excavations, beginning in the 1950s, have uncovered a wealth of archaeological treasures, including the Herodian harbor, Roman aqueduct, and the Crusader city.

Caesarea is located along the Mediterranean coast of Israel, approximately halfway between Tel Aviv and Haifa. The nearest international airport is Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, about 60 kilometers away. From the airport, you can rent a car, take a taxi, or use public transportation to reach Caesarea. Trains run from Tel Aviv to Binyamina station, which is about 10 kilometers from Caesarea. From Binyamina, you can take a taxi or a local bus to reach your final destination.

While Caesarea is a fairly small town, having a car can be convenient for exploring its scattered historical sites and surrounding areas. Local buses and taxis are available for getting around, but they may not operate frequently. Bicycle rentals are also an option for those who prefer a more active way to explore the town. The town's layout is pedestrian-friendly, making walking a viable option for visiting nearby attractions.

The official currency in Israel is the Israeli New Shekel (ILS). Credit cards are widely accepted in Caesarea, including in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are readily available, and many establishments also accept mobile payments. It is still advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting smaller shops or markets.

Caesarea is generally considered a safe destination for tourists. However, it is always wise to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas in Caesarea that target tourists, but staying vigilant and aware of your surroundings is always a good practice.

In case of an emergency, dial 100 for police, 101 for medical emergencies, and 102 for fire services. Caesarea has a local police station, and medical facilities are available in nearby towns like Hadera and Netanya. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available in the town for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs. When visiting religious sites, dress modestly and be respectful. Public Transport: Do be courteous to fellow passengers. Avoid eating or drinking on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake or a friendly nod. Using basic Hebrew phrases like 'Shalom' (Hello) can be appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept hospitality graciously. Don't refuse food or drink offers, as it may be considered impolite.

To experience Caesarea like a local, visit the local markets and try fresh produce and traditional foods. Interact with the residents; they are often friendly and willing to share insights about the town's rich history. Don't miss the ancient Roman aqueduct and the Caesarea National Park, which offers a glimpse into the town's historical importance. For a unique experience, attend a concert or event at the Caesarea Amphitheatre, a historic venue with stunning views of the Mediterranean.