Archaeological Park Scythopolis

The ancient city of Scythopolis is mentioned among the cities conquered by Pharaoh Thutmose III during a campaign in Palestine in the 14th century BC. In the Byzantine era, Scythopolis was a rich and beautiful city with straight streets, markets, monumental gates, public buildings.

During the archaeological excavations, a magnificent urban complex was discovered, with an ancient Greek amphitheater that can accommodate 7 thousand spectators, ancient Roman baths, colonnades on the streets of Cardo (modern name Paladius) and Decumanus. The remains of an ancient basilica, which is more than 1500 years old, a synagogue with an amazing mosaic and large pagan temples, later turned into churches, shopping centers, have been preserved.

Since 1990, restoration work has been carried out in parallel with the excavations. At the exit from the archaeological site is a historic building, which after the restoration is located tourist center. There is a beautiful hotel nearby.

The ruins of ancient Scythopolis are well known to music lovers from Andrew Lloyd Weber’s popular rock opera Jesus Christ the Superstar.