Tiberias
The city on the shore of the Sea of Galilee.
Inhabitants or Natives
Aristobulus, Cornelius, Crispus, Joseph the boatman and Anne his woman.
Secondary Residents
Chuza the steward of Herod, Joanna his woman, Mary and Matthias their adoptive children, Esther Joanna’s nurse, Jonathan their steward, the Roman women Valeria and her daughter Faustina (Fausta), Lydia.
Description
The southernmost part is inhabited by common people, families of fishermen or artisans. The other part, further north, is the palace district stretching along the lake, with bWaterx parks visible on the arc of the shore."I see the beautiful new town of Tiberias. Its whole lay-out leads me to believe that it is a new and wealthy town: the town plan is neater than that of any other town in Palestine and shows a civilized and harmonious ensemble not to be found even in Jerusalem. There are beautiful avenues and straight roads, already provided with a sewer system whereby water and rubbish are cleared away. There are also wide squares with large fountains, the bases of which are built with the most beautiful marble. Many buildings copy the Roman style, with spacious arcades. Through some front doors, already open at this early hour, one can see large halls, marble peristyles decorated with valuable curtains, chairs and tables; in almost every building there is a central yard, paved with marble, with a jet-fountain and marble vases full of blossoming flowers. It is definitely an imitation of the Roman architecture, which has been copied very well and very richly. The loveliest houses are in the streets nearest to the lake. The first three streets, parallel to the lake, are really luxurious. The first one follows the gentle curve of the lake and is absolutely magnificent. The last part of it borders a series of “villas” with the main facades on the back street, and on the lake side they have luxuriant gardens, which stretch so far down as to be lapped by the waves of the lake. Almost every one has a little harbour, in which there are leisure boats with precious canopies and purple seats."[1]
Its Name
Named in honor of Emperor Tiberius.
Where is it mentioned in the work?
GRM 98 GRM 99
GRM 438 GRM 438 GRM 445 GRM 461 GRM 461
GRM 566
Learn More About This Place
City founded by Herod Antipas in 20 AD. Named in honor of Emperor Tiberius. It gave its name to the lake on whose shore it lies. It is said that its magnificent buildings were constructed on a site including an ancient cemetery, which made the city even more "impure" in the eyes of the Jews who took long to settle there. It was a predominantly pagan city. The thermal springs of Emmaus of Tiberias also contributed to its fame.
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