Cities & towns · Coast of Judea
Caesarea Maritima
What was Caesarea Maritima?
Caesarea was Rome’s harbor capital of Judea — where the gospel first came to a Gentile household and Paul stood trial.
TodayCaesarea National Park, on Israel’s Mediterranean coast
BuilderHerod the Great
RoleRoman capital of Judea
EventsCornelius; Paul’s trials
Herod the Great built this showcase port with its man-made harbor, theater, and temple, naming it for Caesar. Roman governors — Pilate among them — ruled Judea from here.
In Caesarea the centurion Cornelius and his household received the Spirit as Peter preached — the door of faith opened to the Gentiles.
Philip the evangelist lived here, Paul was imprisoned here two years and testified before governors and a king, and from its harbor he sailed for Rome.
Key verses BSB · Public Domain (CC0)
Acts 10:1 “At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was called the Italian Regiment.” Acts 10:44 “While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard his message.” Acts 25:11 “If, however, I am guilty of anything worthy of death, I do not refuse to die. But if there is no truth to their accusations against me, no one has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar!””
Related places
Original BibleDawn profile. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy. Scripture quoted from the public-domain Berean Standard Bible.