the settlement’s South- West or Burnt Church was revisited by archaeologists in search of firm dating for the conflagration that both destroyed and preserved the church. They revealed a plethora of interesting artifacts and mosaics — and a nearly illiterate artisan, who had been tasked with inscribing the names of donors and abbots for posterity. Instead, his grammar and spelling mistakes are preserved in a trio of ancient Greek mosaics. During the Byzantine period there were eight churches, indicating its importance for Christians. The city was devastated by
the public, the entire reconstructed area of the halls has been integrated to create a Crusader experience, highlighted by a signposted route through the complex, a Crusader-style pub and a themed feast featuring food based on the cuisine of Crusader times, along with music and entertainment, waiters dressed in period garb and a jousting tournament. From Acre, Christians - or anyone interested in the history of the period - can set out in the footsteps of the Crusaders, to visit their fortresses in places such as Montfort, Belvoir, Yechiam and Sepphoris. It was at the latter - site of some of Israel’s most remarkable mosaic finds - that the Crusaders gathered before setting out one hot July day in the year 1187, to liberate Tiberias from the siege imposed by the Muslim commander Saladin. Reaching the valley at the foot of the Horns of Hittim, they were shot at by what appeared to be a small Muslim force armed only with lances and bows. The Crusaders attacked and chased after these soldiers until they reached Nebi Shueb, where they were ambushed by the main force of the enemy led by its commander Saladin. Because of their heavy armor they couldn’t redeploy and were destroyed and their defeat marked the end of the Crusader military presence and its kingdom in the Holy Land, which very soon afterwards fell entirely to Saladin. This significant historical tale can serve as the backdrop for a delightful walking tour. Begin at Sepphoris, at the citadel built originally by the Crusaders on Byzantine foundations. (Taking time to admire Sepphoris’ amazing mosaics is well advised). Then take the short ride to the Horns of Hittin, close to a hill that is actually a dormant volcano. Disembark at this point and begin to walk. Climb to the top of the volcano for one of the most stunning vistas in the lower East Galilee. Continue walking by
a massive earthquake in 749 AD which left it in ruins. The city was an important Christian center during the Byzantine period, and was an episcopate - the seat of the Bishop - starting in the year 359. The majority of its citizens were Christian and the existence of eight churches indicates the city’s importance. ACRE & CRUSADES Aside from the sites that are a reflection of the life and teachings of Jesus, a number of other places in the region are of historical relevance to Christians that visit the Galilee. Of these, the Old City of Acre, a UNESCO “World Heritage Site,” is the most prominent, considered by a growing number of experts to be the world’s most significant Crusader site. The current Old City is essentially a second layer, built upon a subterranean level dating back to the Crusader period. Everything underground - the cavernous rooms, the catacombs through which one can pass from place to place - dates back to the knights of the order of Saint John de Acre, while the modern city of Acre sits atop the subterranean level of unseen history. For many years Acre’s city fathers were content with the few catacombs that had been unearthed. Recently, however, a major project to reveal the Crusader city in its full glory has been undertaken, and with each passing year, additional subterranean Crusader halls and crypts are dug up, reconstructed and put on public display, taking visitors back almost 900 years in time. After years of being on display to
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