Constructed by Herod the Great (r. 37–4 BCE) to supply fresh water to his coastal city built in honor of Emperor Augustus, the Caesarea aqueduct is the most impressive ancient aqueduct found in Israel. Connecting the city to the springs of Shuni, about 10 miles to the northeast, the aqueduct allowed Caesarea Maritima to reach magnificent proportions as one of the most important cities in the eastern Mediterranean. Shortly after its construction, the city would replace Jerusalem as the capital of the Roman provinces of Judea and later Syria-Palestine. The aqueduct was repaired and expanded several times throughout its history. […]
