Beit Shean National Park
Beit Shean is a city located in the northern Jordan Valley in Israel. This area is abundant water and vegetation yielding fruit, so the city became a major crossroads and has had a large number of rulers throughout history.
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Information about Beit Shean National Park
Beit Shean is a very touristy place and thousands of Christians come to see the excavations in the Old City. In addition, the Ministry of Tourism in Israel began a huge project that aims to restore life throughout history. Instead found temples, commercial centers, the Roman theater, and amazing attractions.
The project was inaugurated in early 2008 “audio-visual” a tremendous investment of 25 million USD and is unique in its kind and among the few in the world. Please note that the show takes place in the evening, so if you want to be sure to get to the correct times. In addition, tour guides can purchase tickets at a discounted price and save you a place. Not necessary but nevertheless, we note that tickets are purchased several months in advance. However, instructors organized tours and groups have reserved seats so it is advisable to join a trip like this
Around the park, there are other parks such as the “Garden of the Three” which contains dozens of pools of water from the Jordan River. Where you can find a place for pilgrims and Christian baptism at all. Nearby, there is a group “Capernaum” which is sacred to Christianity due to the residence of Jesus in place for several years. You can get to all year round and there is public transportation from Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Tiberias, which is close to 25 km to the city of Beit Shean and 30 km from the park. Another and more recommended option is to take a daily tour that goes through Beit Shean and Capernaum and thus save you trouble and money.
The history of Beit Shean
Beit Shean, one of Israel’s most fascinating historical cities, offers tourists a glimpse into a bygone era, showcasing layers of history that span thousands of years. Known as Scythopolis during the Roman and Byzantine periods, this city has been a cultural crossroads due to its strategic location at the junction of the Jezreel and Jordan Valleys.
The history of Beit Shean begins in prehistoric times. Archaeological findings reveal that the site was settled as early as the Chalcolithic period, around 6,000 years ago. However, its prominence grew during the Canaanite period (15th-12th centuries BCE), when it became a significant administrative center. This era left behind remnants of temples and artifacts, many of which can be seen in the Israel Museum.
Beit Shean is perhaps most famously mentioned in the Bible. It was here that the Philistines hung the bodies of King Saul and his sons on the city walls after their defeat at Mount Gilboa (1 Samuel 31:10-12). Visitors can explore the tell (ancient mound) of Beit Shean, where excavations have uncovered traces of the biblical city.
The city reached its zenith during the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods, when it was known as Scythopolis. As one of the ten cities of the Decapolis, a group of cities with strong Greco-Roman influence, Scythopolis became a bustling metropolis. Its wealth and importance are evident in the grand public structures that have been uncovered, including a Roman theater, a bathhouse complex, colonnaded streets, and a massive agora (marketplace). Walking through the reconstructed streets of the ancient city, visitors can imagine the vibrant life of its residents, from merchants and artisans to scholars and gladiators.
One of the highlights for tourists is the Roman theater, which seated up to 7,000 spectators and remains one of the best-preserved theaters in Israel. The acoustics and architecture still impress visitors today. Nearby, the bathhouse complex offers a glimpse into ancient daily life, showcasing the advanced engineering skills of the Romans. The network of hypocausts (underfloor heating systems) is particularly remarkable.
The Byzantine period brought further prosperity to Scythopolis. The city became an important Christian center, and several churches were built, adorned with intricate mosaics. Many of these mosaics, featuring geometric patterns, animals, and Christian symbols, have been preserved and are on display at the site.
In 749 CE, a devastating earthquake struck the region, toppling much of the city’s infrastructure and leading to its decline. Although it remained inhabited during the Islamic and Crusader periods, it never regained its former glory. Today, the ruins of Beit Shean are part of the Beit Shean National Park, one of Israel’s premier archaeological parks.
Visitors to the park can explore the layers of history through guided tours or at their own pace. The sound-and-light show held in the evenings adds an immersive element, bringing the ancient city back to life. The park also offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys, highlighting Beit Shean’s historical role as a strategic and fertile hub.
For modern tourists, Beit Shean is more than just ruins; it is a testament to the civilizations that shaped this land. Its blend of historical significance, architectural grandeur, and scenic beauty makes it an unmissable destination for history enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.