What is…
Antipatris

Greek: Αντιπατρίς

Hebrew: אנטיפטריס‎‎

also known as: Tel Afek, Kŭlảt Râs el ’Ain—meaning “the castle of the spring-head”

This city was built by Herod the Great, and named in honor of his father who paved the way for Herod’s rise.

Antipatris lay in a strategic place between Caesarea and Lydda, 2 miles inland, on the great Roman road from Caesarea to Jerusalem.

The Apostle Paul was brought to this place by night (Acts 23:31) on his way to Caesarea, 28 miles away.

…the soldiers, in accordance with their orders, took Paul and brought him by night to Antipatris. But the next day, leaving the horsemen to go on with him, they returned to the barracks. —Acts 23:31-32 NASB

It is identified with the modern, Ras al-Ayn (Ras-el-Ain) which has the largest springs in Israel. It is the source of the Yarkon River (aka Nahal HaYarkon, נחל הירקון, Yarqon River, Jarkon River, Nahr al-Auja, al-Auj, Aujeh, Auja River. نهر العوجا), the largest coastal river in Israel. After 17 miles (27.5km) it flows into the Mediterranean Sea.

Aerial view of Antipatris ruins
Aerial view of the site of ancient Antipatris, now protected as a national park
Photo by Dvirraz, in cooperation with Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA Israel), License: CC by 3.0
Antipatris street pavement from 1st century
1st century AD Antipatris street pavement from the time of Christ, Paul and the other Apostles
Photo © BiblePlaces—a ChristianAnswers Contributing Specialist.
Location of ruins of ancient Antipatris, now an Israeli National Park—satellite view

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Article Version: September 19, 2024