The Romans were masters of innovative construction. Stone aqueducts were one of their specialities. Tapping the power of gravity, aqueducts carried water to otherwise water-deficient population centers. This aqueduct, located in Caesarea Maritima along the Mediterranean coast in Israel, was 11 miles long. The water was carried along the top of the stone structure. It is absolutely amazing to think that this was done without the use of any modern equipment or machinery.
Just to the south of the aqueduct are ruins of the city of Caesarea Maritima, built by Herod the Great. We did not have time to tour the ruins, but maybe we will be able to do so in the future. Herod built a harbor out into the sea itself and the ruins can still be seen by those willing to take a dive. We will stay ashore, since we are not divers and there are many city ruins on land, but it is fascinating to think about such a massive undertaking accomplished so long ago.
Caesarea Maritima should not be confused with Caesarea Philippi, which is a city located in the northern part of Israel near Tel Dan.
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