PaneasCaesarea

PaneasCaesarea, also known as Caesarea Philippi, is an ancient city located in the Golan Heights region of modern-day Syria, near the sources of the Jordan River. Originally established as a Hellenistic city by the Seleucid king Antiochus IV Epiphanes in the 2nd century BCE, it was later renamed by Herod the Great in honor of Emperor Augustus and his son Caesar. The city served as a key administrative and religious center during Roman rule, blending Hellenistic, Roman, and local traditions.

The site is renowned for its impressive natural setting, dominated by the towering cliffs of Mount Hermon, which rise dramatically from the surrounding plain. The most notable feature of the ancient city is the Temple of Pan, a grand Hellenistic structure dedicated to the Greek god Pan, built atop the cliffs. The temple complex included a theater, a stadium, and a series of terraced gardens, reflecting the city’s role as a cultural and political hub.

Caesarea Philippi gained further significance in Christian history due to its association with Jesus Christ. According to the New Testament, Jesus visited the area and asked his disciples, "Who do people say that I am?" (Matthew 16:13–20), leading Peter to declare him the Messiah. This event is traditionally believed to have taken place near the city, contributing to its later Christian pilgrimage importance.

Archaeological excavations have uncovered remnants of Roman baths, a hippodrome, and inscriptions in Greek and Latin, highlighting the city’s multicultural heritage. The site was abandoned after the Muslim conquest of the region in the 7th century and remained largely forgotten until modern rediscovery. Today, PaneasCaesarea is a protected archaeological site, offering insights into the region’s rich history and its role as a crossroads of civilizations. Visitors can explore its ruins, including the partially restored Temple of Pan, which remains one of the most striking landmarks in the Golan Heights.