An international team of archaeologists claims to have identified with certainty the ancient city of Bethsaida, the biblical site associated with some of the most famous episodes in the life of Jesus. Excavations at the El-Araj archaeological site, near the Sea of ​​Galilee, have been ongoing since 2016. According to the researchers, the discoveries made in the area match historical descriptions of a Jewish fishing settlement, which later developed into an urban center.

Bethsaida is mentioned in biblical tradition as the birthplace or residence of the apostles Peter, Andrew, and Philip. The town was located near the area of ​​Capernaum, where according to the Gospels Jesus performed some of his most famous miracles, including healing the sick and feeding 5 people with five loaves and two fish.

The project's academic director, Professor Steve Notley, says the team has found exactly the two key elements required to identify Bethsaida: evidence of a Jewish fishing village and clear traces of an urbanized city.

The excavations have uncovered more than 200 coins, ceramic fragments, a Roman bath, Jewish stone vessels and lead weights associated with fishing activity. One of the most important discoveries is a Byzantine basilica, which contains a direct reference to the apostle Peter, describing him as “Chief of the Apostles and Holder of the Keys of Heaven”. According to archaeologists, this evidence, taken together, makes El-Araj the most convincing candidate for the location of ancient Bethsaida. The researchers argue that the transformation of the settlement from a fishing village to an urban center is also consistent with what is known about the biblical city.