Sabastiya

An array of Israelite, Hellenistic, and Roman ruins can be found in the multi-colored hills 1 lkm northwest of Nablus. The strategic peak on which the ruins lie was first settled by Omri, King of Israel, in the 9th century BC as the city of Shomron (Samaria), which served as the capital of the Israelite kingdom until the Assyrians invasion of the 8th century BC. Under Herod, the city was made the showpiece of the Holy Land to win the favor of the Roman Emperor.

The ruins are just above the present-day Arab village of Sabastiya. Unfortunately, most of the ancient splendor is long since gone. All that remains of a Roman theater are a few steps overgrown with weeds; at the top of the hill lie the remnants of Israelite and Hellenistic acropolis walls, a Roman acropolis, and the column bases of the Temple of Augustus. Blue signs label each ruin in Hebrew, Arabic, and English.

The narrow 1.5-km path that encircles the ruins is treacherous watch your step or you may end up taking the quick and painful route into the valley below. The site is currently untended and free. Service taxis to Sabastiya are available from Nablus (NIS2.5); walk uphill and take your first right.