Set in a fertile valley, along an important road system and with a water stream passing through it, no wonder Beit-She’an (Hebrew for: The House of She’an) was an important city through most of the historical periods. In 2018, Erick and I visited the site, reviewed its archaeology, and its special links to the Bible.
Beit-She’an’s Special History
Beit-She’an and Jesus
Although never mentioned in the New Testament, Jesus probably passed through the city on his journeys to Jerusalem. Furthermore, in Byzantine times, a large round church was built on its top. Its shape suggests it commemorated or sanctified a certain relic. Perhaps it was an object associated with Jesus that was found in the city?
Beit-She’an Destroyed
In 749 CE, Beit-She’an encountered a massive destruction by a devastating earthquake. The city was much less populated at that time, as a result of the Muslim conquest of the land. But in its city center, Roman monuments were still standing, and markets were still operating. All were destroyed and then abandoned after the earthquake. Their remains would only be uncovered in modern times.
Touring Beit-She’an