The Byzantines inherited Caesarea from the Romans and rebuilt the city in their own way. The buildings became smaller, the mosaics were simpler, and the Christian characters replaced the pagan symbols. However, the city's general plan did not change much, except the entertainment facilities. The hippodrome and later the theater was abandoned. Crafts and trade flourished. There was a public toilet at the crossroads of the streets, shops along with the pedestrian's pavements, taverns, and city warehouses descended to the seashore.