Arsuf ( Hebrew אַרְסוּף, ארשוף , Arabic. أرْسُوف ) is an ancient city in the territory of modern Israel , a national park.
History
The city was founded during the period of Persian rule (presumably from the 6th century to the 4th century BC). The Phoenicians named the city captured from the Persians Arshuf in honor of Reshef - one of the Phoenician gods. The city became famous for its purple fabric and dye production, as well as its extensive maritime trade. It was an important caravan trade center on the ancient trade route from Egypt to Lebanon. In the Hellenistic period, the city continued to develop; Arsuf was renamed Apollonia. In the Roman period, Apollonia became a large settlement between Jaffa and Caesarea. In 113-114 years AD e. the city was hit by an earthquake. The most developed industry in this period was the production of glass. In 640, it was conquered by the Arabs. The city was returned the historical name of Arsuf. Soon, Muslims surrounded the city with a fortress wall. In 1099, the crusaders conquered Jerusalem , in 1101, Baldwin I managed to capture Arsuf with the help of the Genoese fleet. A castle, a moat, a drawbridge were built in its northern part. After the defeat of the crusaders at the battle of Hattin ( 1187 ), Arsuf fell under Muslim control. September 7, 1191, after the troops of Richard I defeated the army of Saladin in the battle on the outskirts of the city , Christians occupied Arsuf. By 1241, a new fortress was built in the city of Arsuf and a new large port was created. In March 1265, Sultan Baybars I, at the head of the army, launched a forty-day siege of the city, after which the fortress fell and was never restored.
Archaeological excavations were carried out in the 1970s and 1990s. Arsuf (Apolonia) was declared a national park.
In Culture
Arsuf can be seen in Assassin's Creed . The game takes place during the conflict between Richard the Lionheart and Saladin, so the player will see countless armies of the king.