Hamat Gader
Hamat
Gader is located close to the junction of the borders of three
countries: Israel, Jordan and Syria, in the Yarmouk River valley, near
the southern shore of the Sea of Galilee.
The 10th Roman Legion, which was garrisoned in the ancient city of Gadara, began construction of the bath complex in the 2nd century. The hot water springs were used for recreation and healing purposes.
The site included a 2000-seat Roman theater, built in the 3rd century, as well as a synagogue, which was built in the 5th century.
The Antiquities
The Romans chose Hamat Gader Springs to build the second-largest bath complex in the entire Roman Empire. Their curative powers were described by the historian Eunapius who visited them in the 4th century. Visitors to The Antiquities of Hamat Gader can still gain an impression of the magnificent halls and baths that have been preserved at the site.
The Central Bath Complex
The thermo-mineral water pools and baths soothe and relax the body. Large pools are filled with water that emerges from the depths of the earth, and circulates naturally every few hours.
Crocodile farm
In 1981, Hamat Gader established the largest crocodile farm in the Middle East. Presently the farm includes crocodiles from Africa and caimans from South America. About 200 crocodiles of different ages inhabit the farm. Mature crocs live in an open area simulating their natural habitat. Visitors observe them from a safe distance. It’s fun to see the crocodiles sunning themselves on the banks or wallowing in the water.
The 10th Roman Legion, which was garrisoned in the ancient city of Gadara, began construction of the bath complex in the 2nd century. The hot water springs were used for recreation and healing purposes.
The site included a 2000-seat Roman theater, built in the 3rd century, as well as a synagogue, which was built in the 5th century.
The Antiquities
The Romans chose Hamat Gader Springs to build the second-largest bath complex in the entire Roman Empire. Their curative powers were described by the historian Eunapius who visited them in the 4th century. Visitors to The Antiquities of Hamat Gader can still gain an impression of the magnificent halls and baths that have been preserved at the site.
The Central Bath Complex
The thermo-mineral water pools and baths soothe and relax the body. Large pools are filled with water that emerges from the depths of the earth, and circulates naturally every few hours.
Crocodile farm
In 1981, Hamat Gader established the largest crocodile farm in the Middle East. Presently the farm includes crocodiles from Africa and caimans from South America. About 200 crocodiles of different ages inhabit the farm. Mature crocs live in an open area simulating their natural habitat. Visitors observe them from a safe distance. It’s fun to see the crocodiles sunning themselves on the banks or wallowing in the water.
