Caesarea Maritima hippodrome

The hippodrome at Caesarea was first used for horse and chariot races during Olympic-style  competition hosted by Herod the Great. The Actian Games were held every four years, beginning  in 27 and ending 13 years later. Caesarea had other grounds for athletic competition and war  games. The New Testament era coincided with the original Olympic Games, leading to several  illustrations in Paul’s letters of wrestling, running, boxing and athletic training (1 Timothy 4:8).