The ancient city of Dan (Mivzar Dan – the Fort of Dan), now known as Banias, stood at the top of a cliff containing a cave dedicated to the Greek god Pan from where the name Panias derived which was later changed to Banis when translated to Arabic. The city fell under the rule of the Romans during the conquests of the land, and King Herod built a temple here in memory of Augustus. After taking control of the area, Herod’s son Philip, changed the name to Caesarea Philipi. The Banias site, according to the New Testament, is where Jesus asked His disciples, who people were saying He was.
The remains of Herod’s temple can be seen in front of the the Banias Cave. The Banias is a spring which rises from the base of Mount Hermon, the tallest mountain in Israel.
