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Visits to Beit Shean in Israel are undoubtedly a pleasure for history aficionados and lovers, but even those with a basic understanding of historical events and eras will enjoy themselves immensely. It might be difficult to choose which areas in the Holy Land are worth seeing and which are not since it has so many amazing sites and fresh perspectives on human history. Well, it could come across as harsh, but the reality is that most of us only have so much time for trips.
History
Beit Shean’s history dates back to between 6000 and 5000 BCE. When you consider that Jericho, the oldest city in the world, is approximately 100 kilometers south of here, it shouldn’t come as a huge surprise. Due to the town’s advantageous location along trade routes, several kings and civilizations inhabited the region over the course of history. The Egyptians were Beit Shean’s new overlords during the Canaanite period, which lasted from the 16th to the 12th century BCE.
There may be evidence of Egypt’s connection to Israel throughout ancient history in Timna Park in the Negev Desert. Additionally, the Bible makes several mentions of Beit Shean. Although there is no concrete evidence to support the legend that King Saul’s sons were hung from the walls by the Philistines, you may have previously heard it. Later, Beit Shean was captured by King David, and under King Solomon’s reign, it rose to prominence. Nysa-Scythopolis was the name of the city during the Hellenistic era.
The city saw rapid growth throughout the Roman era, and the Byzantine Era was populated by between thirty and forty thousand people, based on the available data. You can still observe the aftershocks of the devastating earthquake that devastated Beit Shean in 749 CE. Even the Crusaders once built a stronghold nearby, but don’t anticipate anything resembling the Knights’ Halls in Akko. As you can see, Beit Shean has a rich history and impressive architecture. Even though the Roman remains dominate the region, Beit Shean has seen numerous more levels of development throughout the years.
What To Do and see
Many intriguing ruins, buildings, columns, and even mosaics may be seen at Beit Shean.
Everything you could imagine was there in the city, including bathhouses, colonnaded streets, shops, temples, a nymphaeum, an amphitheater, and a fort.
All you really need to know about the place before you visit is that it oozes ancient history at every turn.
Okay, if you still need persuading, let’s look more closely at Beit Shean.
Why Visit Beit Shean
If you enjoy ancient history, architecture, and Roman and Byzantine remains, Beit Shean is one of the greatest destinations to visit in Israel.
The term “ancient” here refers to 5000 BCE. And you don’t hear a date like that every day.
Even though Masada and Caesarea are more well-known than Beit Shean, it may be advantageous to travel to the Northern District of Israel to visit these historic remains because Beit Shean is less well-known.
Beit Shean, which is situated at the junction of the Jordan River Valley and the Jezreel Valley, frequently slips foreign tourists’ notice.
Things to Know About Beit Shean
Take your time while you’re there since there are many of buildings and places to visit and explore.
To avoid having to go back and find areas you missed, it pays important to take a few minutes to plan the route you will take through the complex.
What else should you anticipate from Beit Shean?
Since the complex is rather open, it might be challenging to determine which areas are safe to investigate and which require special permission.
Use common sense while you navigate the site for the greatest experience.
You’ll have a little more freedom here likely since less people visit here than other, more well-known attractions in Israel.
