Caesarea, Haifa District, Israel — West Asia (the Levant in the Middle East)
King Herod's Hippodrome
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, March 9, 2013
1. King Herod's Hippodrome Marker
"Herod built (…) on the south quarter, behind the port, an amphitheater also capable of holding a vast number of men and conveniently situated for a prospect to the sea" Josephus
This edifice, whose location perfectly matches Flavius Josephus's description, was built for the inauguration of the city in 10/9 B.C. This hippodrome (circus, in Latin), was the venue for the Actian Games instituted by King Herod in honor of the Roman emperor Augustus. The games were held every four years, and included horse-and chariot-races, athletics, gladiatorial combat and hunting.
Did the Building Serve Other Purposes As Well?
In the Greek-speaking eastern part of the Roman Empire, these spectacles as well as sprint races were held in a building known as a stadium. Historical sources on Caesarea mention a stadium where Jewish, and later, Christian prisoners were sent to their death fighting in the arena as gladiators or as prey for wild beasts.
The 315 x 68m building underwent various changes. In the 1st c. A.D. the western seating area was added, bringing the structure's capacity to ca. 12,000 spectators.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Entertainment.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. History of the Compound (a few steps from this marker); Power and Control (a few steps from this marker); The Chariot-Races (within shouting distance of this marker); I Appeal Unto Caesar (within shouting distance of this marker); Dedicatory Inscription (within shouting distance of this marker); The Promontory Palace (within shouting distance of this marker); Sarcophagi (within shouting distance of this marker); The Theater (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Caesarea.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. To better understand the relationship, study each marker in the order shown.
Also see . . .
1. Caesarea Maritima - pdf - Hosanna Lutheran Church
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, March 9, 2013
2. King Herod's Hippodrome Marker
Close-up view of the english text displayed on the historical marker.
2. Caesarea. This is a link to information provided by the BibleWalks.com website. (Submitted on April 19, 2013, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.)
3. Hippodrome. This is a link to information provided by Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. (Submitted on April 20, 2013, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.)
4. Roman Circus, Circus Maximus, Hippodrome. This is a link to information provided by the CrystaLinks website. (Submitted on April 20, 2013, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.)
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, March 9, 2013
3. King Herod's Hippodrome Marker
Close-up view of the illustration of the hippodrome (including numbered list of specific locations shown on hippodrome) displayed on the historical marker.
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, March 9, 2013
4. King Herod's Hippodrome
View looking north of the hippodrome.
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, March 9, 2013
5. King Herod's Hippodrome
View of the pathway that allows visitors to enter into the hippodrome area from the south, and stand where the chariot-races were held. The featured historical marker is situated just behind, and to the left of, the group of people seen in the picture.
Photographed By Tom Bosse, December 3, 2019
6. King Herod's Hippodrome Marker
Photographed By Tom Bosse, December 3, 2019
7. Public Lavatory at King Herod's Hippodrome
Photographed By Tom Bosse, December 3, 2019
8. Public Lavatory at King Herod's Hippodrome
Credits. This page was last revised on November 4, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 19, 2013, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 2,122 times since then and 251 times this year. Last updated on May 7, 2013. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on April 20, 2013, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. 6. submitted on February 4, 2021, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. 7, 8. submitted on February 13, 2021, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
