Josephus mentions Raphanea in connection with a river Σαββατικον, referred now to as
Sambation that flowed only every seventh days (probably an intermittent spring now called Fuwar ed-Deir) and that was viewed by
Titus on his way northward from
Berytus after the
destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70. Near
Emesa, Raphanea was the fortified headquarters of the
Legio III Gallica from which was launched the successful bid of 14-year-old
Elagabalus to become
Roman Emperor in 218. Raphanea issued coins under Elagabalus, and many of its coins are extant.
Hierocles and
Georgius Cyprius mention Raphanea among the towns of Syria Secunda. The crusaders passed through it at the end of 1099; it was taken by
Baldwin I and was given to the
Count of Tripoli. It was then known as Rafania. == Episcopal see ==