Tiberias

Tiberias is a city in the Northern District of Israel. It is situated on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, a significant location in the Christian and Jewish faiths. Tiberias was established around 20 CE by Herod Antipas, the son of Herod the Great, and named in honor of the Roman Emperor Tiberius.

History

Tiberias was built by Herod Antipas in the 1st century CE, and it quickly became the capital of Galilee. The city was built in the Hellenistic style, with a grid plan and a hippodrome for chariot races. It was a significant city in the Roman and Byzantine periods, and it became a center of Jewish learning during the Talmudic period.

Geography

Tiberias is located on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, the lowest freshwater lake on Earth and the second-lowest lake in the world after the Dead Sea. The city is surrounded by mountains, including the Golan Heights to the east and the Galilee Mountains to the west.

Culture

Tiberias is a significant city for both Christians and Jews. It is one of Judaism's Four Holy Cities, along with Jerusalem, Hebron, and Safed. Many important rabbis are buried in Tiberias, including Maimonides, one of the most influential Jewish philosophers. For Christians, the Sea of Galilee is associated with several miracles of Jesus, and many Christian pilgrims visit Tiberias as part of their journey to the Holy Land.

Cuisine

The cuisine of Tiberias is influenced by the various cultures that have inhabited the city over the centuries. Local dishes include falafel, hummus, and shawarma, as well as fresh fish from the Sea of Galilee.

Economy

Tiberias is a popular tourist destination, with many hotels, restaurants, and historical sites. The city's economy is largely based on tourism, but it also has a significant fishing industry due to its location on the Sea of Galilee.

See also

• History of Israel
• Tourism in Israel
• Cuisine of Israel