Beit She’an National Park

Beit She’an Overview

Beit She’an National Park, located in the northern Jordan Valley of Israel, is an extraordinary archaeological site that offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s ancient past. The park centers around the ruins of Beit Shean, a city with a history stretching back over 6,000 years. This site was pivotal in various historical periods, including the Egyptian, Canaanite, Israelite, Greek, Roman, and Byzantine eras, making it one of the most significant archaeological sites in Israel. The most remarkable remnants are from the Roman and Byzantine periods when the city, known as Scythopolis, served as a prominent member of the Decapolis—a group of ten cities that were centers of Greco-Roman culture.

Visitors to the park can explore a sprawling site that vividly showcases the grandeur of ancient urban life. Among the highlights are the colonnaded streets, an impressive Roman theater that once seated 7,000 spectators, a well-preserved bathhouse complex, and a magnificent public fountain. The reconstructed pillars and mosaics further illuminate the sophistication of the city’s design and its cultural vibrancy. The park also features a striking view from Tel Beit Shean, a hill that provides a commanding perspective of the surrounding valley and reveals layers of history in its archaeological strata.

Beit She’an National Park has become a popular destination for history enthusiasts and tourists who appreciate its seamless blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The site is well-maintained, with informative displays and accessible pathways that make it suitable for a range of visitors. In the evening, the park hosts an immersive audiovisual presentation called “She’an Nights,” which brings the ancient city to life with light and sound, providing an unforgettable experience.

Conservation efforts at Beit She’an National Park focus on preserving its fragile ruins against the challenges posed by time, weather, and human activity. Israel’s Nature and Parks Authority has implemented extensive preservation measures, ensuring that the ruins remain intact while accommodating the thousands of visitors who explore the site each year. These efforts are a testament to the commitment to safeguarding the park’s invaluable cultural heritage for future generations.

Beit Shean National Park is not only a testament to Israel’s rich history but also a living classroom, offering insights into the lives, achievements, and artistry of ancient civilizations. It stands as a beacon of preservation, education, and tourism, drawing people from around the world to marvel at its timeless wonders.

Park Map

Beit She’an National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

Beit She’an National Park is also home to a variety of bird species, making it a paradise for bird watchers. The park’s wetlands and ruins attract diverse avian life.

White Stork
The white stork is a large, migratory bird that frequents the park during its seasonal journeys. It is easily recognized by its long legs, neck, and distinctive black and white plumage.

European Roller
This vividly colored bird is known for its blue and chestnut feathers. It can often be seen perching on trees or flying acrobatically in search of insects.

Barn Owl
The barn owl is a nocturnal predator that nests in the ruins of Beit She’an. Its silent flight and heart-shaped face make it a fascinating resident of the park.

Little Egret
This small heron with white plumage is often seen near water sources, wading gracefully in search of fish and other aquatic prey.

Common Swift
Common swifts are agile aerial birds that can be seen darting around the ruins in search of flying insects, often emitting high-pitched calls.

Hoopoe
The hoopoe, with its striking crest and distinctive black-and-white wing pattern, is a frequent sight in open areas of the park. Its name comes from its soft “hoo-hoo-hoo” call.

Bee-eater
This colorful bird, with its mix of green, blue, and golden hues, can be seen hunting insects mid-air. It is often spotted in groups during the breeding season.

Black Kite
The black kite is a medium-sized bird of prey commonly seen gliding over the park in search of food. It feeds on small animals and carrion.

Laughing Dove
This small, pinkish-brown dove is named for its gentle, cooing calls. It often forages on the ground near vegetation and ruins.

Kingfisher
The kingfisher is a small, brightly colored bird that frequents the water sources of the park. Its rapid dive into the water to catch fish is a thrilling sight.

Beit She’an National Park, located in northern Israel, is a fascinating archaeological site known for its impressive Roman and Byzantine ruins. The park provides a glimpse into ancient life with its well-preserved amphitheater, baths, and streets. Among its natural beauty, the park is also home to various species of flora and fauna that thrive in its Mediterranean climate.

Golden Jackal
The golden jackal is a medium-sized canid often seen in the park’s surroundings. It is highly adaptable and can thrive in various habitats, feeding on a diet of small mammals, fruits, and carrion.

Rock Hyrax
This small, herbivorous mammal resembles a rodent but is more closely related to elephants. It is commonly found basking on the rocks in the warm sun.

Eurasian Wild Boar
This large, omnivorous mammal roams the park’s outskirts, foraging for roots, fruits, and insects. Its presence is marked by the signs of rooting in the soil.

Red Fox
The red fox is a common sight in Beit She’an, known for its vibrant reddish coat and bushy tail. It is a highly adaptable predator that preys on small animals and scavenges in urban areas.

Egyptian Mongoose
The Egyptian mongoose is a slender carnivore with a long tail and agile movements. It is often spotted hunting small rodents and reptiles within the park.

Striped Hyena
Though primarily nocturnal and elusive, the striped hyena is a scavenger that plays an important ecological role in cleaning up carrion and organic waste in the area.

Spur-thighed Tortoise
This species of tortoise is frequently seen in the park, slowly wandering through the vegetation. It has a high-domed shell and feeds primarily on grasses and leafy plants.

Mediterranean House Gecko
This small, nocturnal lizard is often seen clinging to walls or ruins. It helps control insect populations and thrives in the warm, dry environment.

Desert Hedgehog
The desert hedgehog is a small mammal with spiny fur and a nocturnal lifestyle. It forages for insects and small invertebrates during the cool night hours.

Levant Green Frog
This amphibian can be found in and around water sources within the park. Its vibrant green color helps it blend into the lush vegetation near streams.