Tour Guide: Dr. Yaron Ovadiah

These excerpts center around the city of Lod (also known as Diospolis) and its rich history, from the Roman and Byzantine periods, highlighting its importance as a center for both Jewish rabbinic elite and early Christianity, particularly in relation to Saint George. The text also discusses the Mamluk and Ottoman periods, noting the construction of significant infrastructure like the Mamluk bridge and Ottoman khans in the area. Furthermore, the sources describe archaeological findings in Lod and nearby Ramla, specifically focusing on the ancient Lod mosaic depicting various animals and the Abbasid pool of arches in Ramla, notable for its early use of pointed arches and an original inscription dating it to 789 AD. Finally, there are discussions about the strategic importance of Ramla and Lod as transportation hubs throughout history, including during the British Mandate with the development of a major train station and airport, and details about the prayer schedule within a mosque.