BANIAS bå’ nī əs. A town on the southern slopes of Mt. Hermon.

Today the Arab. spells it “Banias,” but the older form was “Paneas” from “Paneion.” The name comes from Pan, the pagan god who was worshiped there. Niches for Pan’s statues can still be seen. The best-known alternative name is Caesarea Philippi. The easternmost tributary of the Jordan River has its source near Banias.