About Caesarea Philippi

Caesarea Philippi, nestled in the foothills of Mount Hermon, was known for its grotto, red-rock cliff, forests and springs. The abundant water supply made the area very fertile. It was a city dominated by immoral activities and pagan worship.

Banias in Hellenistic Period

The Greeks built a temple for the Greek god Pan next to the water source that exited the cave with courtyards for rituals. Sacrifices were cast into the cave as offerings to Pan. The Greeks called the city Panias in his honour. Idols were placed in the niches carved into the rock face.

Caesarea Philippi in Roman Period

Herod the Great built a temple in honour of Emperor Caesar Augustus. His son Philip rebuilt the city and named it “Caesarea Philippi”. During his rule, the city served as an administrative centre for the region but it continued to focus on worship of Greek gods.

Peter declares that Jesus is the Messiah

The Bible tells us that Jesus and His disciples came to the region of Caesarea Philippi and Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do you say I am?” It is here that Simon Peter replied, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:13-16)

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