Tel Beyt Shean

Human settlements have existed in Beyt Shean since the fifth millennium BC. King David conquered the city from Canaanites in 1000 BC, after which the city has more than a thousand years of Jewish history. The most populous era of the ancient city occurred during the Byzantine Christian period, the population reaching nearly 40,000. After the conquest of Islamic armies in the seventh century AD the city began to lose importance, and an earthquake caused great damage in 749.

The walled area of ancient Beyt Shean was approximately 1 kmē. Half of it is today in modern urban use.

More information:

• Wikipedia article about Bet She'an
• official website of Beit She'an national park
• map of modern Beyt Shean (the northern 50% of ancient walled city is marked with orange colour)
• map of the area with best-preserved ruins

Photos:

• Miniature model of ancient Beyt Shean
  
   
• 360° panorama from top of the hill
  
   
• 140° panorama from half-way up the hill
  
   
• 100° panorama of the ruins
  
   
• 120° panorama of the amphitheater, inside
  
   
• 120° panorama of the amphitheater, outside
  
   
• more travel photos of Beyt Shean