Caesarea Philippi near the Syrian and Lebanese borders

Strolling through the ancient town of Caesarea Philippi near the Syrian and Lebanese borders you will find seven pagan temples. The cave pictured above was nicknamed the Gates of Hades, also known as the Gates of Hell. Creepy would be an understatement.

The Tomb Temple of the Sacred Goats

In 220 BC under Emperor Elagabalus, goats were sacrificed as part of rituals. The bones of the goats were then buried inside a rock building that once stood on the grounds. The tomb for the animals was called, “The Tomb Temple of the Sacred Goats.”

Elagabalus was said to be one of the most corrupt emperors in Roman history. Bloodshed was common under his rule. Upon becoming emperor he took the name “Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus.” He was called Elagabalus after his death. He was 14 when he became the emperor and was remembered for not only bloodshed, but also sex scandals. He was 19 when he died.

A column from The Tomb Temple of the Sacred Goats

Just Listen

He could have talked for hours, never asking me for a penny. It was as if his sign was a disguise for friendship or connection. I simply tuned in at the right time. 

One of the things he talked about was his injured leg. He told me that he got bit by a spider and the aftermath landed him in the hospital.

Today, the spider bite is healing. However, he still has trouble walking for long distances as the pain radiates from the outside of his skin inward and down to his foot. 

“One of the most sincere forms of respect is actually listening to what another has to say.”

— Bryant H. McGill