Archaeologists identify ancient biblical city of Bethsaida

Archaeologists believe they have identified the ancient biblical city of Bethsaida at the El-Aradž site on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Following a decade of excavations led by an international team including archaeologist Mordechai Aviam and biblical historian Steven Notley, researchers have uncovered remains of an ancient Jewish fishing village and an urbanized city from the Roman period.

Key findings include thousands of lead fishing net weights, stone vessels characteristic of Jewish populations, remains of a Roman bath, and over 200 coins currently being analyzed for precise dating. The team also discovered the remains of a Byzantine basilica featuring an inscription linked to the Apostle Peter. According to Christian tradition, Peter, Andrew, and Philip originated from Bethsaida.

Steven Notley, dean of religious studies at Pilar College, noted that an unexpected forest fire last year actually assisted researchers in understanding the scale of the ancient settlement. Notley stated he is ‘100 percent’ certain of the identification based on the gradual accumulation of archaeological evidence rather than a single discovery. The site is historically significant as the Gospels associate Bethsaida with several of Jesus' miracles, including the healing of a blind man and the feeding of the five thousand.