While touring Israel, we made two tourist stops, the first in Caesaria, home to Herod, Pontius Pilate and, briefly, the apostle Paul.

In this pic (thanks Gordon for taking it), the background shows the outermost extenstions of Herod's lower palace, which jutted out into the Mediterranean. Herod inherited the city in 22 BC and set out to build the most grandiose city of the day.

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Paul was tried right here, once the site of Caesaria's trial court. Paul was sent here in 58AD for trial, but was acquitted. Of course he later was sent to Rome, again from Caesaria, where the outcome was not as good.

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Caesaria, with the 19th century mosque in the background. Originally a Phoenician settlement in the 3d or 4th century BC, Herod took over in 22 BC. Key structures: an amphitheater, palace, theater, and a temple dedicated to Caesar Augustus.

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Caesarians were buff. After a hot steam bath, city dwellers would use this mosaic-lined court for walking and exercises.