Tucked within the storied walls of Tiberias lies a treasure trove of history and resilience. These walls, which once stood as steadfast guardians, marked the city’s boundaries until the dawning of the 20th century. The remnants we see today are echoes of the fortifications raised by Daher al-Omer, the Galilee’s ruler, during the 18th century. A testament to Tiberias’ rich heritage, these walls bore witness to earthquakes, battles, and the passage of changing regimes. Notably, the permanent structures within these walls, including the crusader castle and the iconic leaning tower, have become enduring symbols of Tiberias, even finding their place on the city’s official emblem.
The Tale of the Fortifications
The chronicle of Tiberias’ fortifications begins with Josephus, who fortified the city during the Great Revolt in 67 AD. However, the city yielded to Vespasian’s might without a fight, leading to the breach of its southern wall for his entry. Nonetheless, King Agrippa II’s tenure ensured the preservation of parts of the wall. The centuries that followed witnessed various fortification attempts, including those by the Byzantine Emperor Justinianus I in the 6th century and the Crusaders in 1099.
Tiberias’ strategic significance persisted as the Crusaders returned to rebuild the city’s walls north of the Byzantine wall’s path. Tiberias flourished as the capital of the Crusader Principality of Galilee. However, the city faced its share of trials, including the Battle of the Horns of Hattin in 1187, which signaled the loss of its prominence.
Chapters of Reconstruction
Efforts to resurrect Tiberias’ glory were championed during the 16th century, notably by Ottoman Sultan Suleiman I in 1540. Yet, an earthquake shattered these aspirations in 1546. Notable figures like Doña Gracia and her son-in-law Don Yosef Nashi stepped in to revive the city’s walls, extending them beyond the route of the Crusader and Ottoman walls.
The enduring route of the city’s walls, as we recognize it today, was set by Daher al-Omer during 1737-1738. This formidable ruler and his successor Choleibi crafted a resilient wall that encircled the city, including a commanding citadel and Beit Saraiyya.
Trials and Triumphs
The wall and its citadel were put to the test during a 1742 siege by Suleiman al-Adam, ruler of Damascus, who aimed to break Daher’s power base. Despite a siege that lasted 83 days, the wall remained impervious, safeguarding Tiberias. The wall’s legacy endured through earthquakes, and even as construction commenced beyond the walls at the start of the 20th century.
The remnants of Tiberias’ past stand as a testament to the city’s resilience. The wall, mainly composed of stones from its ancient predecessor combined with basalt stones, boasted a thickness exceeding three meters and a height of about six meters. Today, the visual symbol of Tiberias, the Leaning Tower, remains standing, a testament to the city’s history.
Following the wall’s path, one can trace the echoes of time. From the Malachite Greek Catholic Church to the Alhadaf and Jordan streets, fragments of the wall linger. The citadel, constructed in 1745 by Choleibi, stands as a living relic, once adorned by a local artist’s studio. Although the citadel’s doors are closed to the world, its walls whisper tales of days gone by.
The Crusader Castle of Tiberias Today
As visitors explore the streets and remnants of Tiberias, they traverse not only the city’s geography but also its history. The Crusader Castle in Tiberias and its surrounding walls are a bridge to eras of valor, upheaval, and enduring heritage. Amidst the bustling present, the past lingers, ready to share its stories with those who pause to listen.
