By Dr. Randall Smith
Courtesy of Christian Travel Study Programs, Ltd.
Located almost halfway between the modern Lebanese border and the city of Haifa, the coastal city of Acco served as one of the key ports of the land of Israel over much of its long history. The Canaanites and Phoenicians utilized Acco’s port, and the city is mentioned in ancient Egyptian records.
Over the millennia Acco was besieged and conquered by a series of invaders, yet at times its strong fortifications kept it from defeat. Indeed, although it was included in the area allotted to the tribe of Asher, the Israelites were unable to vanquish the inhabitants. “Nor did Asher drive out those living in Acco or Sidon or Ahlab or Aczib or Helbah or Aphek or Rehob, and because of this the people of Asher lived among the Canaanite inhabitants of the land.” Over 3,000 years later, Acco’s impressive walls proved to be the demise of a foreign army when Napoleon Bonaparte was forced to abandon his siege of the city with his troops.
Acco was renamed Ptolemais – in honor of Egyptian Emperor Ptolemy II – during Greek rule in the 4th century BC. Roman soldiers were stationed in Ptolemais-Acco, and Julius Caesar stopped there in 48 BC. Paul and his companions also visited Acco: “We continued our voyage from Tyre and landed at Ptolemais, where we greeted the brothers and stayed with them for a day.” (Acts 21:7)
Although the Crusaders were unable to conquer Acco in their initial battles, the city was defeated by Baldwin in 1104 AD. During the Crusader era there was a constant stream of merchandise and travelers in and out of Acco all year round, and the city took on vast importance. Evidence of its greatness can be seen today in fabulous Crusader halls discovered during late 20th century excavations. At this time of grandeur, Acco received yet another new name – this time it became known as St. Jean d’Acre. Acco became part of the British Mandate in 1922, and imprisoned Jews who fought the British are remembered in a museum, where they were once held prisoners.
© Christian Travel Study Programs, Ltd.
