History of the Old City of Lod

Prehistoric Periods
6,000-3,500 BCE

The first inhabitants of Lod reached the area about 8,000 years ago, during the Neolithic Period. Due to the important archaeological discoveries found in the city, the “Lodian Culture” is well known.
Bronze and Iron Ages
3,500-586 BCE

Early Bronze Age discoveries found in archaeological excavations conducted in Lod include typical Egyptian pottery, testifying to connections between Lod and Egypt.
Persian and Hellenistic Periods
586-37 BCE

Lod became an important Jewish center during the Persian period. During the Hellenistic period, which partially corresponds to the Hasmonean period, the Seleucid King Demetrius I, who ruled between 161-150 BCE, suggested moving Lod from the control of Samaria to the Judea district due to its Jewish majority.
The Roman and Byzantine Periods
37 BCE-640 CE

The crowning glory of findings from the Roman Period is the most impressive mosaic floor ever found in Israel and one of the most impressive worldwide
Early Islamic period and the Crusader period
1260-638

The Moslem rulers designated Lod as the civil capital of "Jund Palestine" (The Palestinian district).
The Mamluk Period
1517-1260

During the 13th century the Mamluks captured Lod. They constructed the El-Omari Mosque and the Jindas Bridge, one of the most Impressive ancient bridges in Israel. 
The Ottoman period
1917-1517

During the Ottoman period Lod became a central town in the Ayalon stream area, and an important center for the olive and oil industry.
The British Mandate
1948-1917

During the Mandate Period, Lod was chosen as the location for the central train station between Cairo in the South, and Damascus in the north, as well as the International air terminal, named Lod Airport,

The Roman and Byzantine Periods

37 BCE-640 CE
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During the Roman Empire, Lod was recognized as a central crossroads in Israel. Seven imperial roads connected Lod with all the important centers in Israel, thus making the city the heart of the land.

During this time, Lod was called DIOSOPOLIS, the city of God. Accordingly, impressive temples were built and Lod became an opulent city like Caesarea, Beit She’an, and other Roman cities.

Excavations within the city revealed magnificent Roman villas containing mosaics, marble furniture, gold coins and jewelry. The crowning glory of these findings is the most impressive mosaic floor ever found in Israel and one of the most impressive worldwide, discovered in 1996 in the remains of a roman villa dated to the 4th century CE. The mosaic features ships and sea images which might suggest the owner was a seafarer.

St. George was born and raised in Lod. He later became an officer in the Guard of the emperor Diocletian, and chose to spread Christianity throughout the world at a time when it was forbidden, especially to those serving the Roman army. Many legends recount that in one of his journeys George encountered a fearsome dragon, which he fought and conquered. The scene of the battle between St. George and the dragon became one of the most important scenes depicted in Christian Art worldwide.

As a result of his missionary work, St. George was executed by the Army authorities, and became a martyr. When Christianity was officially recognized years later, his bones were brought to burial in a subterranean crypt at the Greek Orthodox church in Lod.

During the Byzantine period, the city’s name was changed to Georgeopolis, the city of George, and several magnificent churches were built.

During the Mishnah period Lod housed one of the important Jewish centers of spiritual and literary studies. Many of the known Rabbis of the period lived and were active in Lod, from the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 CE and up to the Bar-Kokhba Revolt in 132 CE.

The famous Rabban Gamliel was active in Lod and only later moved to Yavne. Rabbi Eliezer ben Horcanos (Known for the phrase “Justice, justice shall you pursue”) was the first sage identified with Lod, and Rabbi Aqiva was one of his most prominent students. Rabbi Joshua, another important teacher, moved from the Galilee to Lod and founded a seminary. Rabbi Judah, although affiliated with Zippori, used to visit Lod and was active in it. The sages of Lod were part of the local life, and with their pupils they roamed the streets, markets, and roads, learning, discussing, and litigating.