Day 8: Megiddo, Ceasaria (Maritimia), and our Ascent to Jerusalem

Megiddo


Today we visited a couple of very important ancient cities on our way to Jerusalem. Our first stop was in Megiddo. Megiddo is referred to as Har (mountain) of Megiddo. It is actually a "tell" which is a human-made mound that is the result of repeated destruction and rebuilding. Megiddo is situated at a prime location for travel and commerce; thus, it was significant for military purposes. There is a tradition that because Josiah was killed in battle here (and he was known to be a righteous king), that a final battle to conquer injustice will happen here. Megiddo has extensive layers of ruins, ranging from crusader all the way back to caananite structures. There was an ingenious tunnel system to channel water from outside the city gates, underground, in order to supply the city in the event of a siege.

Caesarea

After Megido, we visited Cesaria on the sea.

Like Megiddo,

Cesarea was a significant city for commerce. It's zenith was in its early years when it was built by Herod the Great. It was destroyed and rebuilt numerous times, going through periods of great success and others of great decline.

Cesarea is impressive in its engineering and was one of the earliest and best fully Roman style city in the region. Paul was held here as he awaited his voyage to Rome.

Finally, we made our way toJerusalem, weaving our way through Tel Aviv traffic, ascending through the mountains and forests until finally, catching a glimpse of Jerusalem. Rodney and Sarah Macias led us in reading and singing some of the Psalms of Ascent as we entered Jerusalem.