Beit Shean, Israel (UNESCO-World Heritage Site)

Beit She’an is one of the most ancient cities in Israel.

Beit She’an was rebuilt as a Hellenistic city about 2,300 years ago, and was renamed Scythopolis (“City of the Scyths”).

Beit She’an reaching the peak of its greatness in the fifth century, when it had 30,000 – 40,000 inhabitants.

Beit She’an was first settled way back in the Chalcolithic Period - some 5,000 to 6,000 years ago.

The city extended over an area of some 370 acres.

Roman amphitheatre - hippodrome.

Roman amphitheatre - hippodrome.

Roman amphitheatre - hippodrome.

Roman amphitheatre - hippodrome.

Roman amphitheatre - hippodrome.

Beit She’an is the site of spectacular archaeological excavations and a rich history, dating back to biblical times

Beit She’an is the site of spectacular archaeological excavations and a rich history, dating back to biblical

Beit She’an is the site of spectacular archaeological excavations and a rich history, dating back to biblical

Beit She’an is the site of spectacular archaeological excavations and a rich history, dating back to biblical

Beit She’an is the site of spectacular archaeological excavations and a rich history, dating back to biblical

Beit She’an is the site of spectacular archaeological excavations and a rich history, dating back to biblical

Beit She’an is the site of spectacular archaeological excavations and a rich history, dating back to biblical

Beit She’an is the site of spectacular archaeological excavations and a rich history, dating back to biblical

Beit Shean  public toilets with no separation between them and no division between male and female

Beit Shean public toilets with no separation between them and no division between male and female

Beit Shean public toilets with no separation between them and no division between male and female

Beit Shean - the ruins of Roman-Byzantine Scythopolis, which tell of its richness and greatness.

Beit Shean - the ruins of Roman-Byzantine Scythopolis, which tell of its richness and greatness.

Beit Shean - the ruins of Roman-Byzantine Scythopolis, which tell of its richness and greatness.

Beit Shean - the ruins of Roman-Byzantine Scythopolis, which tell of its richness and greatness.

Beit Shean - the ruins of Roman-Byzantine Scythopolis, which tell of its richness and greatness.

Beit Shean - the ruins of Roman-Byzantine Scythopolis, which tell of its richness and greatness.

Beit Shean - the ruins of Roman-Byzantine Scythopolis, which tell of its richness and greatness.

Beit Shean - the ruins of Roman-Byzantine Scythopolis, which tell of its richness and greatness.

Beit Shean - the ruins of Roman-Byzantine Scythopolis, which tell of its richness and greatness.

Beit Shean - Scale Model,  gives a magnificent view of the old  city

Beit Shean - Scale Model,  gives a magnificent view of the old  city

Beit Shean - today, the city numbers some 18000 inhabitants

Beit Shean was the Roman showcase city of the East

Beit Shean was the Roman showcase city of the East

Beit Shean,  T-shirt at souvenir shop

Beit Shean,  ancient stone manhole

Beit Shean,  mosaic

Ruin of a Roman bathhouse. I was so fascinated with Beit Shean, that I took hundreds of photos

Beit Shean was the Roman showcase city of the East

Beit Shean was the Roman showcase city of the East