Tiberias: Berko Archaeological Park

Tiberias (Tabariyya in Arabic) is a city located on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee (itself known also as the Sea of Tiberias). The city is named after the second Roman emperor, Tiberius (ruled 14-37CE). Likely it was established by the son of Herod the Great, Herod Antipas, in the latter half of the first decade CE. The city is mentioned in the Christian Bible, appearing in John 6:23. Herod Agrippa I ruled the city from 39 until his death in 44. During the Jewish Revolt the city was under the control of Agrippa II. According to Flavius Josephus, Herod’s Palace was destroyed during that war. In the 3rd Century CE it became a center for Jewish learning and was the location associated with the writing of the Palestinian Talmud. The city came under Arab control in the 7th century. The photos in this collection, taken by Dr. Beth M. Sheppard, reflect the Roman period remains at the Berko Archaeological Park, just south of the main city of Tiberias today. The park is often closed to the public and is surrounded by a fence, which makes it inaccessible. These photos were taken May 2023 with entrance to some portions of the park secured by a local Jewish guide.