Sabastiyah; Temple of Augustus: Stairs and platform of the Temple of Augustus

The ancient Samaria, founded in 887 BCE by King Omri of Israel. The holy city of Samaritans (known in the Bible as Shomeron); influenced by culture of Phoenicia; strengthened by Ahab, but idolatry and corruption led to overthrow by Shalmaneser V and Sargon II in 724-721 BCE. Destroyed by John Hyrcanus in 107 BCE; rebuilt as Sebaste (named in honor of the Emperor Augustus) by Herod the Great of Judaea, who built the Temple of Augustus, ca. 27 BCE, which partly overlays the former Israelite royal quarter on the highest hill. The temple itself measured ca. 35 x 24 m and was approached through a s... Mehr ...