Josephus the historian, a first century Jewish scholar, wrote about the early history of the Jews. He mentions that the city of Tiberius was built by Herod Antipas and named after the Roman emperor Tiberius. It was likely built sometime between 16-26 CE and so was contemporaneous with the lifetime of Jesus.
The historian describes it as being built at the lake of Gennersareth, which is on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, also known as Lake Kineret. Herod compelled some inhabitants to live there and built homes and created public buildings. It was considered a transgression for a devout Jew to live there since there was an ancient cemetery beneath the city.
The problem of Jewish residence was later cleared by a ritual cleansing of the city in 145 CE, by Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai. After the expulsion of the Jews from Jerusalem, Tiberius became one of the leading Jewish cities. It was a seat of rabbinical learning and creativity, and the burial place of several famous rabbis. Today it is considered one of the four holy cities of Judaism. It is also a famous pilgrimage area for devout Christians.
There are few references to Tiberius in the New Testament except to describe the area as the Sea of Tiberius. It is unlikely Jesus ever went to the city. However, around 30 CE Jesus went to the northern shore of the lake and performed miracles in that area, including walking on the water of the lake. Eventually the area and Tiberius itself became very important to Christians and several Christian churches are built there.
. General Information
The city of Tiberius is located 200 meters below sea level and is the lowest city in Israel. Mountainous areas surround Tiberius. Its climate is hot and dry and the area is famous for its hot springs. Summer temperatures range from 70-97 degrees Fahrenheit and winter temperatures range from 46-65 degrees Fahrenheit. The city has over thirty hotels and attracts thousands of tourists each year. Tiberius has been continuously inhabited since its founding and the population now is approximately 40,000 people.
. Tourist Attractions
. Hamat Tiberius National Park is a famous hot springs area including 17 hot springs with unique mineral
properties and therapeutic benefits. It hosts the Tiberius Springs Spa.
. The Church of St. Peter is a small church, originally built around CE 1100, with a lovely mosaic of St. Peter fishing in the boat. There is art work depicting the four Gospels.
. The Mount of Beatitudes near the city is where Jesus is said to have preached his "Sermon on the Mount". This is also where Jesus named his twelve apostles.
. Yardenit is located south of Tiberius and said to be the place where Jesus was baptized by St. John the Baptist in the River Jordan.
. Capernaum is located about two miles south of Tiberius and is the area where Jesus preached and performed miracles.
. Sail on the Jesus Boats for a quiet ride on the Sea of Galilee in boats reconstructed after authentic first century CE replicas of fishing boats.
![[Valid RSS feed]](http://www.articlemarketinghome.com/images/icon_Rss.png "XML Feed For RSS"){kind=icon}
Category Rss Feed
Print This Article
Add To Favorites