What is the history of Caesarea Philippi?

Caesarea Philipi was mentioned in the new testament in the Gospels of Matthew and Mark. It was in Caesarea Philippi that Jesus made the statement "on this rock, I will build my church." This was the first time the word 'church' was mentioned in the Bible. Jesus asked his disciples who they think he is, and Peter gave him the right answer, "thou art Christ," this account is recorded in Mark 8:27-29. Caesarea Philipi was also the home for the worship of the Greek God Pan; many sacrifices were made there and it was called the 'gate of hell.' This might be the reason Jesus Christ said in Matthew 16:18-19 "That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven:"