Ancient Town Caesarea Philippi

The origins of Caesarea Philippi date back to the Hellenistic period, when a sanctuary dedicated to the god Pan was erected here, giving the area the name Paneas. In 200 BC, the city was the scene of a battle between the Ptolemies and Seleucids. Under Roman rule, after a gift from Emperor Augustus to Herod, a temple for Augustus and the goddess Roma was built around 20 BC. Herod's son Philip made Paneas his capital, expanded it, and renamed it Caesarea Philippi. Under Herod Agrippa II, the city was further developed. In the Bible, Caesarea Philippi is mentioned as the place where Peter confessed Jesus as the Messiah.