World Wonders: The Caesarea Aqueduct

BARBARA ASH / ALAMY STOCK PHOTO

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. In the early second century, Emperor Hadrian ordered a major renovation that doubled the aqueduct’s width and also connected it to a secondary water source to ensure sufficient supply for the growing city. Numerous inscriptions attest to the work of various Roman legions in expanding the channel. Built with the same materials and building style, the Hadrianic and Herodian portions of this monumental aqueduct are almost indistinguishable. It remained in use until the 12th century, when it fell into disrepair and was replaced by a smaller aqueduct.