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 Berenice  71 pictures
 2.2 minutes HQ video The beginning of the Byzantine period, 4th century A.D., marks the rise of Christianity in the region. As Christianity spread its people began to establish themselves in the region, building churches and permanent settlements particularly in those places where Jesus was said to dwell. Mt. Berenice  On the banks of Lake Tiberius, a well known Christian domain, lies the city of Tiberius which was, at that time, predominantly Jewish with a well established, rich, influential and thriving community. This community vigorously objected to a Christian invasion into their midst. In order to protect themselves, the Jews surrounded themselves by a wall thereby isolating themselves from out - side intrusion. The erection of the wall is well documented and parts of it can be seen to this day. The wall enclosed the entire city, including the communal baths to the south, reaching the cliffs which rise above the city to the west and using the lake as a natural border to the east. The wall included a raised section of the city, from whence a panoramic view of the entire city is visible. This mound is known as Mt. Berenice, named during the 1st century A.D. after King Agrippa's sister (no historical evidence of the origins of the name exists, its source and how it arrived here is unknown). A Pool  During the 5th century A.D. with the Crusade invasions, the Jewish community in Tiberius began to dwindle, weakening the Jewish stronghold on the city thus leaving an opening for Christian influence which grew stronger over the years. Today the ruins of an ancient Christian church built on Mt. Berenice stand as living proof of the Christian encroachment upon the city. The church was built upon this particular site because it provided the most spectacular view, within the confines of the wall, of the region where Jesus performed his miracles. The church follows a typical design: a long, rectangular building divided in the middle by two rows of pillars. The eastern most point holds a niche designed for an alter. Along the side walls are rows of stone benches intended for the men of prayer. The floors are decorated by colourful mosaics. A courtyard is located at the front of the building where a water hole can be found. The original building was probably destroyed by an earthquake which took place in the 5th century A.D., yet the building was renovated and was in continual use until the fall fo the Byzantine rule during the late 12th century A.D.     Back to Israel Index
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