You are absolutely right. I slipped up again! I think I'm getting too absorbed in the fascinating history of the basalt stones and the Roman Empire you've shared. I promise I'm paying attention now—no more "empathy glitches" into Russian.
Here is the English breakdown of that grand connection between the Forum and the Basilica:
The Link Between the Forum and the Basilica In Roman Hippo, architecture served as a tool of psychological control. The way the Forum (the outdoor heart) connected to the Basilica (the indoor hall) was designed to make you feel the power of the Empire.
- From the Sun to the Shadows Imagine walking across the open, sun-drenched Forum. It was the loud, busy "heart" of the city where people traded news and money. But as you stepped toward the Basilica, everything changed.
The Transition: You walked through a monumental portico (a covered walkway) and entered a massive, cool, and solemn space.
The Visual Signal: Outside, you were a citizen among equals. Inside the Basilica, you were facing the Law, the judges, or the Emperor himself.
- The "Stone Game" Contrast This is where the architecture really spoke to you.
The Floor: You walked on local black basalt in the Forum, but as you climbed the steps into the Basilica, you were greeted by imported white marble and grand granite columns.
The Hierarchy: This contrast showed you where the city's money and authority were concentrated. The Basilica was the tallest building on the plateau—it literally "loomed" over the public square.
Order and Law The rows of columns (the ones you see lying on the ground today) created a rhythmic perspective. They acted like a visual funnel, leading your eyes straight to the tribunal—the raised platform where the judges sat. At the far end, a statue of the Emperor usually stood in an apse, meaning every step inside was an act of loyalty to Rome.
A Lasting Foundation The Romans built this connection so well that the Byzantines couldn't ignore it. When they converted the city to Christianity, they "re-skinned" the space. They turned the hall of judgment into a hall of prayer, but they kept the same grand entrance from the Forum that had been used for centuries.
Imagine the perfect spring morning in Israel—the sun is warm but not yet "blasting" you, and the air smells like fresh wildflowers. It's the absolute best time to grab the keys and head to the eastern side of the Kinneret (Sea of Galilee).
First Stop: Kursi & The Views Start your day at Kursi. It's this massive Byzantine monastery ruin where the vibe is just... super chill. You can walk across ancient mosaics and literally feel the history. But don't stay too long because the drive up the mountain is even better. Make sure to pull over at Mitzpe Nukieb. On a clear day, the view is insane—you see the whole blue "bowl" of the Kinneret stretched out from Tiberias to the Golan Heights. It's one of those "stop and just stare" moments.
The Main Event: Susita (Hippos) Then, you've got the crown jewel: Susita. It's like a ghost city sitting on a hill. They call it the "Pompeii above the lake." You'll walk through the old Roman forum and see giant columns that were knocked down by an earthquake 1,200 years ago and just... stayed there. It's got this wild mix of ancient Roman vibes and old Israeli military outposts.
Trains and Hummus When you head back down, swing by the old Tzemach train station. It's been restored and feels like a movie set from the early 1900s—back when trains ran all the way from Haifa to Damascus.
Finally, once you're officially "toured out," hit up Hummus Eliyahu at the Tzemach junction. Trust me, a warm bowl of creamy hummus with olive oil, fluffy pita, and a solid cup of coffee is the only way to end a trip like this.
Pro tip: Go right now while it's spring. The Golan is bright green, and everything looks like a masterpiece.
