Roman banquet hall of Herod Agrippa II discovered in Banias cave, northern Israel

Recent excavations at the Hermon Stream Nature Reserve (Banias), an archaeological site in the Golan Heights, have uncovered new evidence that sheds light on the transformation of a sacred cave into a Roman-style banquet hall built by Herod the Great’s grandson. 

The cave, long associated with the worship of the Greek god Pan, was repurposed in the late 1st century A.D. by Agrippa II, the great-grandson of King Herod. Researchers believe Agrippa converted the site into a nymphaeum-triclinium, a Roman-style banquet hall, following the Jewish Revolt in 66–73 A.D. The discovery offers a rare glimpse into Roman dining customs in the region and confirms accounts by the Jewish historian Josephus. 

The cave was reimagined by Agrippa II as a private dining area with water as a primary feature. The excavation, led by Dr. Adi Erlich and Ron Lavi from the Zinman Institute of Archaeology at the University of Haifa, revealed that the cave and its surroundings were transformed into a lavish Roman venue. The site's design was reminiscent of Roman nymphaeums that combined water, sculpture and luxurious dining.

A dining area was discovered, which appears to be mentioned by Josephus in his writings, and agrees with his historical descriptions. Josephus noted a cave full of water at Banias, a feature now confirmed by the archaeological findings, which were published in the Bulletin of the American Society of Overseas Research. Erlich and Lavi’s work suggests that the cave originally served a cultic purpose but was adapted by Agrippa II to Roman tastes. 

The Roman banquet area was designed to maximize sensory enjoyment, with flowing water and beautiful sculptures adding to the atmosphere. Such spaces were common for dining and socializing in Rome, Italy, with fountains and flowing water enhancing the ambiance.

The Banias cave complex featured a large central rock, possibly holding an altar or statue, and an aqueduct that controlled the water level to keep this rock visible at all times. Coins discovered in the cave have enabled a more accurate dating of the renovation period to approximately 69 A.D.

The Banias nymphaeum-triclinium is the only one of its kind discovered in Israel. Its design closely resembles similar sites in Italy, particularly Sperlonga, an imperial villa built during the reign of Emperor Augustus. Sperlonga also featured a water-filled grotto and dining area, providing a model for Agrippa’s Banias complex. Agrippa II, who was raised in Rome, likely drew inspiration from such Roman villas when transforming the Banias cave. 

Banias was part of the Roman city of Caesarea Philippi, referenced in the New Testament Gospels of Mark and Matthew as the site where Peter declared the messianic identity of Jesus.

In the 5th century, a church was built at the cave, marking the site’s transition from pagan to Christian use. Over time, the cave returned to its roots as a site of Pan worship, where hydromancy rituals – using water to determine fate – were likely practiced. 

Agrippa II, who supported the Romans during the Jewish Revolt and later governed the northern territories of Israel, died around 94 A.D., marking the end of the Herodian dynasty.

After his reign, Banias continued to be a site of religious significance, eventually becoming a Christian pilgrimage destination. 

Today, Banias, also called the Hermon Stream Nature Reserve, is known for its waterfalls, hiking trails, and ancient ruins. However, the site has been closed to visitors for over a year due to the ongoing Israel-Hezbollah conflict in Lebanon.

Despite fires caused by rockets, the Banias cave itself has remained undamaged. Plans to recreate the Roman dining area at Banias are on hold, pending further assessments after the conflict.