Western Church

Abstract

~The ancient city of Zippori (Sepphoris) was the administrative capital of the Galilee during Roman rule. Excavations have revealed A Roman Theater, a Talmudic-era Jewish residential quarter, ritual baths, churches, a Crusader fortress and an abundance of mosaics. In 47 BC it was conquered by Herod the Great and re-conquered it again in 4 BC after his death. Herod's son, Herod Antipas, rebuilt and fortified the city after its conquest burn. The city grew during the 2nd century BC and ruled by the Hasmonai King Alexander Janaeus. During the early 2nd century AD the city was rebuilt and expanded in a grand Roman plan and included a network of streets, public and residential buildings, water works and Theater. However, the city was heavily damaged on a major earthquake (363 AD). It was rebuilt and continued to flourish until the decline in the Arab period on the 7th century. The Crusaders rebuilt sections of the city and the fortress, and also built a church, honoring Mary mother of Jesus. The city also used them as a base of their battles with the Arabs. Seen is the western church, built on the remains of the house of Orpheus, beside the Cardo.