# Apollonia – Arsuf

- **Country:** Israel
- **Coordinates:** 32.195200, 34.806800
- **Location Text:** a Crusader fortress located at the seashore of Herzliya.

Apollonia–Arsuf is an ancient coastal city and castle site located in Herzliya Pituah, Israel, approximately 34 kilometers south of Caesarea. Originally founded by the Phoenicians during the Persian period in the late sixth century BCE, the settlement thrived continuously through Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine eras. During the Byzantine period, it was renamed Sozusa before falling to Muslim forces in 640 CE, at which point it became known as Arsuf. The site features a strategic lowland castle positioned on a sandy plateau that ends abruptly in a high cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, serving as a crucial defensive stronghold throughout its long history.

The location holds profound historical significance due to its role in medieval conflicts, particularly during the Crusades. Conquered by the Kingdom of Jerusalem in 1101, it became a vital fortress and was the namesake for the famous Battle of Arsuf in 1191, fought between Saladin and Richard the Lionheart. The city and its citadel remained under Crusader control until 1265, when the Mamluk Sultan Baibars captured and completely destroyed the fortifications to prevent future reoccupation. This decisive event marked the end of the site's habitation, leaving it abandoned as a ruin for centuries until modern archaeological interest revived its story.

Today, the extensive ruins are preserved within Apollonia National Park, which opened to the public in 2002 following intensive excavations that began in 1994. Visitors can explore the remnants of the Crusader castle, including its moat and walls, alongside artifacts spanning thousands of years of occupation. The park offers a unique glimpse into the layered history of the region, showcasing architectural elements from various epochs while providing access to the dramatic coastal cliffs where the ancient city once stood as a bustling center of trade and military power.

![Photo of Apollonia – Arsuf](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f0/Arsur_Fortress1.jpg)

**Source:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollonia–Arsuf (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)