Bet Shean National Park, Archaeological national park in Northern District, Israel
Bet Shean National Park contains excavated remains of multiple ancient civilizations with a Roman theater, temples, bathhouses, and residential quarters spread across several acres. These structures reveal distinct settlement layers from different historical periods stacked one upon another.
The ancient city was named Scythopolis during the Hellenistic period and served as the leading city of the Decapolis confederation. It declined in importance following major events in 749 CE and became a smaller settlement.
The ruins display a blend of Egyptian, Roman, and Byzantine building styles visible in the preserved streets and structures. Visitors can observe these different cultural influences through the architectural details and decoration patterns found throughout the site.
The park provides multilingual information signs, accessible walking paths, and guided tour options throughout the site. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and prepare for uneven ground since the archaeological structures span a large area.
The site sits 120 meters below sea level, making it one of the lowest archaeological locations in the world. Within this depression 18 distinct settlement layers have accumulated over millennia, documenting an exceptional sequence of continuous human habitation.
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