The deep depression of the lake gives to the plain that skirts its shores the genial climate of the south. Here in the days of Christ flourished the palm tree and the olive, here were orchards and vineyards, green fields, and brightly blooming flowers in rich luxuriance, all watered by living streams bursting from the cliffs. The shores of the lake, and the hills that at a little distance encircle it, were dotted with towns and villages. The lake was covered with fishing boats. Everywhere was the stir of busy, active life.

På grund af den dybtliggende sø får sletten, som omgiver dens kyster, sydens milde klima. Her trivedes på Kristi tid palmetræer og oliventræer, her var der frugthaver og vingårde, grønne marker og en overdådighed af strålende blomster, og alt fik vand fra de klare strømme, der brød frem fra klipperne. På søens bredder og de lave bjerge, der omkredser den lidt derfra, lå byer og landsbyer spredt. Søen var fuld af fiskerbåde. Alle vegne herskede der et travlt og virksomt liv.