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CAESAREA PHILIPPI

(Gk. Kaisáreia hē Philíppou)

The capital and chief residence of the tetrarch Herod Philip. Located in northern Palestine on the lower range of Mt. Hermon, the site had several features that contributed to its development. At an elevation of 340 m. (1100 ft.) above sea level, it had a commanding view of the fertile Huleh Valley to the southwest. Situated on the east-west highway that ran from Tyre to Damascus, it was tied into the international trade route system. The site also featured a spring, which provided water for habitation, along with a cave that made it attractive for cultic activities.

The site has been suggested as that of OT Baal-gad, Baal-hermon, or Beth-rehob, but pottery fragments found thus far do not pre-date the Hellenistic period. The earliest developments took place during that period in the area of the cave and the spring. Greek settlers named the site Paneion (also spelled Paneas and Panias) after the Greek god Pan; the surrounding territory was also known as Paneas. Niches were cut in the face of the bluff and around the cave, recognized as the sanctuary or dwelling place of the deity, and dedicated to “Pan and the Nymphs.” According to Josephus, the region was given to Herod by Caesar Augustus in 20 b.c.e. Herod in turn constructed a beautiful white marble temple dedicated to Augustus, and it most likely became the focal point of the cultic precinct.

The character of the site changed following the death of Herod the Great in 4 b.c.e., when Paneion and its territory became a part of the tetrarchy of Herod’s son, Herod Philip. In 2 b.c.e. Herod Philip founded the first actual city there, naming it Caesarea in honor of Caesar Augustus, and Philippi, to distinguish it from the Caesarea on the coast. As Herod Philip’s capital, the city functioned as a center of both worship and government. This status is reflected in the account of Simon Peter’s confession (Matt. 16:13; Mark 8:27).

The city was rebuilt by Herod Agrippa II ca. 60 c.e. and renamed Neronias, in honor of the emperor Nero. It was one of the most magnificent cities of the Roman world. Following the death of Nero, the name reverted once again to Caesarea Philippi. According to Josephus, both Vespasian and Titus visited the city (BJ 3.443-44; 7.23-24) during the course of the Jewish-Roman War (66-70 c.e.), using the site to rest and refresh their troops. Subsequently the name of the site reverted to the earlier Paneas, preserved in the modern name of the site, Banias.

Recent excavations at the site have focused on the cultic area at the base of the bluff near the cave of Pan and the urban center to the south. Excavations in the cultic precinct have produced the remains of a temple, perhaps that built by Herod the Great. Excavations of the urban center have revealed evidence of a large 3rd- to 4th-century basilica, a series of arches with vaulted rooms, a section of the city’s Cardo Maximus, and a monumental Early Roman cryptoportica.

Bibliography. Z. U. Maʿoz, “Banias,” NEAEHL 1:136-43.

LaMoine F. DeVries

Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

CAESAREA PHILIPPI

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)