|
Capernaum is a town located on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee and on the highway from the Mediterranean coast to Damascus. The town was known from the Roman period onwards and the Jewish historian Josephus describes it as a very fertile area. Its people took an active part in the war against the Romans (Josephus, War III, 516-21, Life, 72).
Capernaum is one of the places most frequently mentioned in the Gospels. Jesus went there many times. He called his disciples from here as well as taught the Scriptures in its synagogue. Numerous healings took place here.
In later Jewish sources Capernaum is referred to as a seat of minim, or sectarians, perhaps referring to the time of Jesus. In the 4th century A.D., the city had an almost exclusively Jewish population. The first Christian community did not gather here until the middle part of the 4th century. It was at this time that they built a church on the site of Peter's house.
1. Mt. 4:13 Jesus begins His public Galilean ministry from this city.
2. Mt. 8:5-17 At Capernaum, a centurion came to Jesus informing Him of his sick servant. Jesus heals the servant that very hour. Following this event, Jesus also heals Peter's mother-in-law at Peter's house.
3. Mt. 17:24 Off the shores of Capernaum, Peter catches a fish with a Roman denarius in its mouth.
4. Mk. 1:21-31 Jesus is found teaching in the synagogue of Capernaum.
5. Mk. 2:1-12 In Capernaum, Jesus heals the lame man who was lowered through the roof of his friend's home.
6. Mk. 9:33-37 At Capernaum, the discussion arises of who would be the greatest in the kingdom.
7. John 6:17-21 The disciples are in a boat heading for Capernaum. They row about 4 miles out into the lake when they see Jesus walking on the water.
1. ROMAN PERIOD: Excavated by a team of Franciscans, what appears to be a 1st century house was unearthed. It has been called the House of Peter. A number of inscriptions mentioning Peter's name have been located. Built over this house is a Byzantine Church. Also, although the dating of this archaeological find has been questioned in recent years, a basaltic first century synagogue has excited the archaeological community. It is theorized that under the white limestone 4th century synagogue lies this 1st century synagogue of rough black basaltic rock. This is significant, for only a handful of synagogues dating to the time of Christ have been verified: Gamala, Magdala, Masada, and Herodion.
This synagogue measures 79 feet long, 60 feet wide, with an area of 4,838 sq. feet, making it the largest synagogue of its day!
2. BYZANTINE PERIOD: An impressive 4th century House Church and Synagogue and a 5th Century Octagonal have attracted many people to this site. This Byzantine church was built over the site believed to be Peter's House. As for the synagogue, this Jerusalem-facing house of worship stands bright in the Galilean sunlight. The Italian archaeologists who excavated this synagogue in 1981 were impressed with its rows of columns, nave area, and thick walls. Numerous other columns/pillars still stand over the site today, including a Corinthian column capital on which is a seven-branched candelabrum (Menorah).Archeological Sites and "Regions"
"Journey of a Lifetime"