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Cesarea

Locations
Modern Location Caesarea Maritima, Israel
Coordinates 32.5000, 34.8944

Geographical Setting

Caesarea Maritima was a major port city and administrative capital of Roman Judea, constructed by Herod the Great on the Mediterranean coast.

What is the meaning of Cesarea in the Bible?

A prominent Roman administrative and commercial center located on the Mediterranean coast of Judea, not in Asia Minor. The city was renowned for its massive harbor, monumental architecture, and role as the seat of Roman governance in the region.

SIGNIFICANCE

Understanding Caesarea as the political and military hub of Roman Judea clarifies the narrative dynamics in the Book of Acts, where it serves as the primary setting for interactions between early Christian leaders and Roman authorities, highlighting the tension between the new religious movement and imperial power.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Cesarea (located near modern Caesarea Maritima, Israel) held strategic importance. Understanding its position and trade routes explains why key biblical events unfolded here.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
  • Why did the biblical author mention Cesarea in this passage?
  • What cultural or historical assumption does Cesarea clarify?

Source Attribution

Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.

How to Cite This Entry

"Cesarea." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/cesarea/
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