Apollonia

Herzliya, Israel

Apollonia, known in the Early Islamic period as Arsuf and in the Crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem as Arsur, was an ancient city on the Mediterranean coast of today's Israel. Founded by the Phoenicians during the Persian period in the late sixth century BCE, it was inhabited continuously until the Crusader period, through the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods, during the latter being renamed to Sozusa. It was situated on a sandy area ending towards the sea with a cliff.

It fell to the Muslims in 640, was fortified against Byzantine attacks and became known as Arsuf. In 1101 it was conquered by the Crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem, and was a strategically important stronghold in the Third Crusade, during which the Battle of Arsuf (1191) was fought nearby. The fortified city and the castle fell to the Mamluks in 1265, when both were completely destroyed.

The site of Apollonia–Arsuf was excavated in the 1990s and opened for visitors as Apollonia National Park in 2002. The above-ground remains before the excavations included the medieval city wall and moat, enclosing an area of about 90 dunam, a Crusader castle with a double-wall system with an area of about 4 dunam, a port with built jetties and a sheltered anchorage, protected by a sandstone reef.

Large amounts of pottery were recovered in the area surrounding the city, mostly of the Byzantine and early Islamic period, indicating that the city extended significantly beyond its old walls in the 7th century. A large Roman-era villa maritima was uncovered to the south of the site.

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Herzliya, Israel
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Details

Founded: 4th century BCE
Category: Prehistoric and archaeological sites in Israel

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Claudia Vilcovsky (2 years ago)
The landscape embraces your soul. This place is witness of History's centuries, you are able to be transported in the Cruzader era, easily It's unbelievable that so many battles occurred in this place in which you breathe so much peace mixed with the breeze from the sea . Nature and history are met in this place with the Mediterranean sea as the eternal witness...
Eli Ben Ari (2 years ago)
One of my favorite National Parks in Israel. It is located only a 30 minute drive from Tel Aviv and makes a great spot for a picnic. It is family friendly and has remains of a Roman villa, a fortress & Byzantine glass kilns. Have fun!
Elke A. (2 years ago)
One of the most beautiful places in Israel, a short 20 minutes drive from Tel Aviv. Easy had shaded parking, cheap entrance ticket, and accessibility impeccable. The kids loved it, it was not packed with tourists (we were there on Saturday) , and the view... Not enough words to describe it. I have lived in Israel for 14+ years and was stunned.
Opal Fish (2 years ago)
It's gorgeous and a must-see location. Great for the whole family, for a quick stop or for a long day trip. Bring some food and have a picnic. Lovely spot!
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