Hippos (Golan Heights)

Hippos, also known by its ancient name Sussita, is an archaeological site on a prominent ridge in the Golan Heights overlooking the Sea of Galilee. It was an important Greco-Roman and Byzantine city and a member of the Decapolis.

Excavated remains include a Roman theatre, a colonnaded cardo, public baths, basilicas and city walls, with visible layers from Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine periods. The raised site provides clear views across the Sea of Galilee and the surrounding plain, which is a principal reason visitors come.

Founded in the Hellenistic era and developed strongly under Roman rule, the city became a bishopric in the Byzantine period and was largely abandoned after a major earthquake in the 8th century. Excavations have been conducted since the 20th century by international archaeological teams.

Hippos occupies a plateau on the eastern edge of the Golan Heights; the ruins are exposed on the hillside above the lake and the site is reached by road from settlements on the Golan and Israeli sides of the lake.

• Views over the Sea of Galilee: The site sits above the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee and offers extensive panoramic views across the lake and surrounding plain from the excavation area.
• Visitor conditions: Archaeological trails are laid out across the hill and suitable walking shoes are recommended; much of the site is exposed and best visited in cooler months.

What to See #

• Theatre: A Roman theater and associated seating carved into the hillside remain visible and date to the Roman and Byzantine occupation of the city.
• Cardo and streets: The main north-south colonnaded street (cardo) and sections of paved roads show the urban grid and connect public buildings across the site.
• Basilica and church remains: Ruins of basilicas, domestic buildings and bath complexes attest to the city's Byzantine phase and Christian community before abandonment.