Banias, or ancient Caesarea Philippi, is a city that has seen almost every age of history pass through it: from Canaanite times, via the Romans and the Crusades, to be finally destroyed in 1967 during the Six Days War. This fascinating city has been so important not only politically, but also militarily and religiously. Herod, Vespasian, Saladin and even Mark Twain have all left their mark on the city of Pan. John Francis Wilson has had complete access to the site, and has drawn upon a wealth of sources in order to provide the first comprehensive history of this remarkable city."A welcome and refreshing departure from the usual type of publication about an ancient city. It is the first comprehensive treatment of the history of a major ancient settlement at the interface of several important cultural, political and religious forces throughout its long history. As such, it has an especially colourful and interesting story, now enhanced by recent archaeological excavation on the site. The author has done full justice to this and presented an engrossing and well written narrative" - James Russell, Professor Emeritus, University of British Columbia.