Situated 63km north of Jerusalem between the mountains of Gerzim and Ebal, Nablus was founded in 72 AD by the Roman Emperor Titus in honor of his father Flavius Vespasian. It was called Flavia Neapolis, the 'New City', until 636 AD when the Arabs took the town, changing its name to Nablus.

Today, Nablus is considered the major commercial, industrial and agricultural center in the northern West Bank. Olive oil soap, produced from olive oil and caustic soda, is a Nablus specialty, which has been produced for more than 250 years. Nablus is also renowned for its talented goldsmiths and its Kenafa, a tasty oriental pastry.