Cæsarea (sĕs-a-rç'ah). The chief Roman city of Palestine in New Testament times. It was on the Mediterranean, about 47 miles northwest of Jerusalem. It was first called "Strato's Tower." Herod the Great built a city there, b.c. 10, and named it in honor of Augustus Cæsar. Herod Agrippa I. died there, Acts 12:19-23. Philip the evangelist lived there, Acts 8:40; Acts 21:8; and Cornelius, 10:1-24. Paul frequently visited it, 9:30; 18:22; 21:8; 23:33; was in bonds there two years, 24:27; it was the official residence of Festus and of Felix. It is now in ruins, and is called Kaisarieh.