As you exit the main courtyard of the Antipatris fortress and move along its outer walls, the discovery of a significant pavement from a Roman street unfolds a story of historical continuity and architectural wisdom. The presence of this Roman pavement signifies the layers of history embedded within the site. It suggests that the Ottoman builders, who constructed or renovated the fortress in the 16th century, recognized and perhaps even leveraged the existing Roman infrastructure.

This practice of using pre-existing structures as foundations or guides is not uncommon in historical architecture. It demonstrates a practical approach to building, where new constructions are integrated with the old, thus preserving the continuity of the site's history. In the case of the Antipatris fortress, the Ottoman builders' decision to build alongside or directly over the Roman street highlights their respect for and confidence in the durability and strategic design of the ancient Roman constructions.

The coexistence of Roman and Ottoman elements at the Antipatris fortress thus becomes a symbol of the passage of time, the layering of cultures, and the continuity of human ingenuity in architecture. It speaks to the enduring nature of historical sites as palimpsests of various epochs, each contributing its unique chapter to the ongoing narrative of the location.