Caesarea Philippi: Banias, The Lost City of Pan

by John Francis Wilson

Banias is a city that has seen almost every age of history pass through from Canaanite times, via the Romans and the Crusades, to its eventual destruction in the 1967 Six Days War. John Francis Wilson brings us the first continuous history of this fascinating city. Herod, Vespasian, Saladin and even Mark Twain have all left their mark on the city of Pan, whose story can now be brought to the general reader for the first time. John Francis Wilson has had complete access to the site and has drawn upon a wealth of sources in order to provide the first comprehensive history of this remarkable city. Banias's important role in political, military and religious developments has long been deserving of a continuous narrative that takes in the full spectrum of the city's history. With the publication of this book, Banias' story can be read by both the scholar and the general reader alike.

288 pages, Hardcover

First published July 30, 2004

Reviews

[Anne Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caesarea Philippi is the location where Simon declared Jesus to be the Messiah and was thereafter dubbed 'Cephas' or 'Peter'. At the time, there was a shrine to the Greek godling of pastures, the goat-human hybrid, Pan.

The influence of Pan has persisted through the ages, despite the different times that Christians, Muslims and Druze have held sway.

A thorough exploration of the history of a unique locale.

[Readtolive · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very well researched book, worth the read.