On the weekend our group took a field trip to a few prominent archaeological sites around the Sea of Galilee. I was really excited about it and was not disappointed!
Our first stop was at the ancient town of Magdala.
This is the synagogue that was only discovered in the last ten years when construction workers were building a hotel. The carved stone box is thought to be the lectern that would have been raised on four legs.
Steps leading down a mikva, or ancient ritual purification bath.
Some think that Mary Magdalene may have been born in Magdala. For this reason there is a modern chapel built here which is dedicated to the women who followed Jesus.
I loved this enormous portrayal of the woman who touched the hem of Jesus' garment, at foot level. Our director here is explaining.
Upstairs in the same building.
It's not very visible here, but with gorgeous backdrop of the Sea of Galilee through the glass. The podium is a fishing boat, and the mast doubles as a cross!
Next we stopped at Capernaum, which is actually Kfar Nahum (Village of Nahum).
This is the fishing village where Jesus made his home during his ministry.
At the entrance. Notice the homeless man's feet.
The synagogue, built of the lighter limestone, is in the background.
Possibly a manger.
What the ancient synagogue may have looked like.
Jesus may have delivered his Bread of Life sermon (John 6) at the site of this synagogue.
The Sea of Galilee at Capernaum.
That's a bit of a misnomer, as it's actually a lake. "Lake Kinneret" is a better term.
For lunch we brought a picnic from the hotel.
We stopped under a beautiful bowery adjacent to the Greek Orthodox church of Capernaum. We had a vineyard above our heads!
Every square inch of the walls and domed ceilings of this magnificent church were all covered in the most vivid colorful frescoes.
Can you tell what story is being told here?
This fishing boat from the first century AD was discovered a few decades ago in the Sea of Galilee. I had never seen it.
It is an extremely rare find as wood usually decays quickly.
They soaked it in a wax bath for 12 years, to preserve it, before placing it on display!
Model reconstruction of the fishing boat.
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