Poor Stewardship - Israeli, Palestinian Politics blamed for Neglect of Holy Land Archeological Site

Roman basilica and forum in the village of Sebastia near the West Bank city of Nablus.

The ancient town of Sebastia is one of the greatest archaeological sites of the Holy Land, attracting tourists and pilgrims over the centuries with its overlapping layers of history dating back 3,000 years. But visitors who come to the site today will find it in a state of neglect (Associated Press, 'Israeli, Palestinian politics blamed for neglect of Holy Land archaeological site Sebastia', June 02, 2013). 

The ancient town of Sebastia is one of the major archaeological sites of the Holy Land, with its overlapping layers of history dating back nearly 3,000 years. But today the hilltop capital of biblical kings, later ruled by Roman conquerors, Crusaders and Ottomans, is marred with weeds, graffiti and garbage. Caught between conflicting Israeli and Palestinian jurisdictions, the site has been largely neglected by both sides for the past two decades. Beyond the decay, unauthorized diggers and thieves have taken advantage of the lack of oversight to make off with priceless artifacts.