Ancient Town Sepphoris (‏צִפּוֹרִי‎, Σέπφωρις, Diocaesarea, ‏صفورية‎)

As early as the 1st century BCE, Sepphoris was a fortified city. It became embroiled in the conflict between Herod the Great and Matthias Antigonus and was conquered by Herod. After his death in 4 BCE, Judah, son of Hezekiah, led a revolt, after which the city was completely destroyed by Publius Quinctilius Varus. Herod Antipas rebuilt Sepphoris under the name Autokratoris and made it the center of his tetrarchy before moving to Tiberias. Under Emperor Antoninus Pius, the city was renamed Diocaesarea and later became an episcopal see. In the 12th century, the Crusaders built a castle and the St. Anne's Church here.

Visitors can explore the remains of the ancient city of Sepphoris. Archaeological excavations have uncovered a Roman theater, a civic basilica with mosaic floors and wall paintings, and a synagogue with mosaics depicting, among other things, the god Helios and the zodiac. Parts of the complex water supply system are also accessible.