Wildfire Uncovers Lost Biblical Village of Bethsaida on the Sea of Galilee

Arkeonews ^ | 16 August 2025 | Oguz Kayra

[fidelis]

In a surprising twist of fate, a wildfire that swept through Israel’s Betiha Nature Reserve in late July has unveiled significant archaeological remains believed to be the biblical village of Bethsaida.

Long thought to be lost to time, this site, located along the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee, has been under excavation since 2016 at the official approval of the Israel Nature and Parks Authority. The recent blaze, while devastating to local flora and wildlife, has provided archaeologists with an unprecedented view of structures buried for centuries.

El-Araj has long been under investigation as a potential site for Bethsaida, historically recognized as the hometown of apostles Peter, Andrew, and Philip. Until recently, the village’s precise location had been debated, with the nearby site of e-Tell traditionally accepted despite its distance from the lake and elevated terrain — characteristics inconsistent with a first-century fishing village.

Excavations at el-Araj, however, have revealed fishing tools, Roman-era pottery, and remnants of a Roman bathhouse, all pointing to a thriving lakeside community in the time of Jesus.

[fidelis]

Among the finds, one of the most remarkable discoveries was an early inscription associated with the Apostle Peter. Volunteers uncovered ancient Greek letters hinting at Peter’s presence, reinforcing the identification of el-Araj as his hometown.

The site’s artifacts and architectural remains collectively provide a more accurate representation of a first-century fishing village than e-Tell, supporting the long-standing biblical accounts.

[SteveH]

Ping

[Dave W]

bttt

[one guy in new jersey]

“The title “chief and commander of the heavenly apostles” was frequently used by Byzantine Christians to refer to the Apostle Peter and only to him, according to archaeologist Dr. Mordechai Aviam from Israel’s Kinneret College. Dr. Aviam has been leading the excavation at el-Araj on the northern shore of the sea for years.”

The link to the page containing this text is dead, but a DuckDuckGo search of “El-Araj Chief of the Apostles” produced a search result containing the quoted text.

It’s rather vexing to those who reject the primacy of the Roman Catholic papacy.

The inscription in question IIRC is also a prayer to St. Peter for his help or intervention. Some believe we should never pray to saints. Roman Catholics, of course, reject this, and, as a result, get all sorts of grief for praying to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

But we never stop praying to her.

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks SteveH.

from the FRchives:

• Searching for the Lost Biblical City of Bethsaida [06/25/2023]
• Searching for Bethsaida: The Case for Et-Tell [and The Case for El-Araj] [05/03/2020]
• Whoa, Bethsaida! Archaeologists May Have Found Peter's Home Town [08/19/2017]
• Researchers Find Rare Coin, Other Artifacts at Bethsaida Dig Site [07/22/2014]
• Dalmanutha: Biblical-Era Town Discovered Along Sea of Galilee [09/17/2013]
• Ancient city found at 'Kana of the Galilee' [03/13/2006]