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Recent excavations at the Banias archaeological site in the Golan Heights have uncovered a significant historical transformation of the area’s sacred cave.
Long associated with the worship of the nature deity Pan, the cave and its surroundings were repurposed in the late 1st century CE by King Agrippa II, the great-grandson of Herod the Great, into an extraordinary Roman-style banquet hall.
This discovery, which sheds new light on the historical evolution of Banias, adds further depth to our understanding of the site’s rich cultural heritage and its transformation through time.
A Sacred Cave Transformed
Banias, also known as Paneas in the Hellenistic period, was historically associated with the worship of Pan, the goat-footed deity linked to nature, wilderness, and fertility.
The site was regarded as a sacred location for worshippers who sought to honor Pan in the natural grotto.
However, the latest findings, led by Dr. Adi Erlich and researcher Ron Lavi from the University of Haifa’s Zinman Institute of Archaeology, reveal that the cave underwent a significant transformation during the reign of Agrippa II in the late 1st century CE.
Agrippa II, who had been raised in Rome and supported the Romans during the Jewish Revolt (66–73 CE), is believed to have converted the cave and its surrounding area into a Roman-style nymphaeum-triclinium—a venue for lavish banquets.
Unlike the earlier religious use of the cave, Agrippa II’s conversion reflected Roman architectural and cultural influences, focusing on grandeur, luxury, and sensory experiences.
The area in front of the cave was restructured with water flowing around a central dining area, creating a spectacular space for elite feasts and gatherings.
Dr. Erlich and Lavi’s research, published in the Bulletin of the American Society of Overseas Research, outlines the findings of their excavation.
The excavations, conducted in 2020 and 2021, were particularly fruitful as the site was relatively empty of tourists during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Their discovery came after a routine conservation effort aimed at reinforcing a nearby wall, which raised questions and prompted further investigation.
Reinforcing Historical Accounts
The excavations have confirmed long-standing historical accounts, including those of the Jewish historian Josephus, who lived during the time of Agrippa II.
Josephus described the existence of a cave filled with water at Banias and mentioned the site’s association with banquets held by Agrippa II.
Researcher Ron Lavi expressed excitement about the discovery, calling it “a real discovery” that challenges assumptions about ancient texts.
“Many people tend to regard whatever Josephus says as exaggerations, but I think wherever you dig and you compare, [with] historical descriptions usually he’s right,” Lavi remarked during a virtual press conference with Dr. Erlich.
Indeed, the excavation revealed an aqueduct that was constructed to funnel water out of the cave, supporting Josephus’ description.
This aqueduct, along with other water installations discovered at the site, points to the importance of water management in the Roman-style banquet hall, which served as a sensory experience combining beautiful views, the sounds of flowing water, and the fragrances of food.
A Glimpse of Roman Luxury
The Banias nymphaeum-triclinium is unique in Israel, marking it as the only Roman banquet complex of its kind discovered in the country. The layout of the complex appears to have been designed to evoke Roman ideals of beauty and comfort.
The central feature of the site was a large rock within the cave, possibly bearing a statue or an altar. This rock was strategically placed to remain visible at all times, thanks to the water management system that regulated the flow of water from the cave.
Erlich noted that this complex resembled similar nymphaea found in Italy, particularly at Sperlonga, a renowned Roman site featuring a water-filled grotto with a central altar and dining area surrounded by water.
Agrippa II’s conversion of the site was not only a testament to Roman luxury but also a demonstration of his desire to cement his alliance with the empire.
The nymphaeum-triclinium was likely a venue where Agrippa II hosted Roman dignitaries, including Emperor Titus, during the aftermath of the Jewish Revolt.
According to Josephus, Agrippa II hosted games and feasts at the site, where prisoners were executed as part of his allegiance to Roman imperial power.
Christianity’s Role and Later Use
The Banias cave continued to play a significant role in the region’s cultural and religious landscape long after Agrippa II’s reign.
The site was later associated with Christianity, as the cave was mentioned in the New Testament Gospels of Mark and Matthew as the location where Saint Peter acknowledged the divinity of Jesus.
A church from the 5th century was discovered nearby, and the area became an important Christian pilgrimage destination.
While the Banias cave initially served as a site of pagan worship, its transformation during the Roman period and later use as a Christian sanctuary reflects the complex religious history of the region.
Erlich and Lavi’s findings also hint at a later phase of the site’s history when it was used for hydromancy—a form of divination where worshippers threw sacrifices into the waters of the cave to seek divine favor.
A Site of Continuing Significance
Today, the Banias archaeological site is a popular tourist destination, known for its natural beauty, waterfalls, and hiking trails. However, the recent discoveries have added a new layer of understanding to the site’s historical importance.
Banias is also located near the border with Lebanon, making it a strategic location in terms of both its archaeological and geopolitical significance.
Unfortunately, the site has faced setbacks in recent years due to the ongoing Israel-Hezbollah conflict. In August 2024, Hezbollah rockets caused fires that damaged parts of the park, including 83 acres of parkland.
Fortunately, the fires did not affect the cave itself or the hiking trails. The Israel Nature and Parks Authority, which oversees the site, has announced that plans to further develop and showcase the Roman banquet hall will be put on hold until after the conflict subsides.
Despite the challenges, the discoveries made at Banias provide invaluable insights into the region’s rich cultural heritage.
The findings have not only confirmed historical accounts but have also revealed the intricate connections between religion, politics, and Roman imperial influence in the ancient world.
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, plans to recreate how the Banias cave would have appeared as a Roman dining area are under consideration, though they remain on hold due to the ongoing conflict.
When the situation stabilizes, the Israel Nature and Parks Authority hopes to proceed with these plans, offering future generations a chance to experience the site’s history in a way that reflects both its natural beauty and its cultural significance.
The discovery at Banias adds an important chapter to the story of Roman and Jewish history in the Golan Heights, revealing the adaptability of sacred sites over time and providing further evidence of the blending of local and imperial cultures in the ancient world.