Archaeologists working near the Sea of Galilee say a decade of discoveries has strengthened their case that they have identified the lost biblical city of Bethsaida (Greek: Ἰουλία), a place linked to Jesus’ miracles and several of his apostles.
Researchers with the El-Araj Excavation Project have investigated the site since 2016. Steven Notley, a biblical scholar and academic director of the project, said he is now 100% confident that El-Araj is ancient Bethsaida.
Evidence points to Jewish fishing settlement
Researchers say the identification does not rest on a single discovery. Instead, years of excavation have revealed evidence that matches what they would expect to find at Bethsaida.
Archaeologists have uncovered thousands of lead fishing weights and stone vessels associated with Jewish communities. The finds point to a Jewish fishing settlement along the Sea of Galilee.
The team has also found a Roman bathhouse and other evidence of urban development. Notley said this fits historical accounts of a fishing village that later developed into a small Roman city.
Roman remains reveal size of settlement
This year, excavations opened new areas and uncovered more Roman-period remains and pottery. Researchers have also recovered more than 200 coins, which are being studied to better date the settlement.
Archaeologists say they may have discovered the long-lost biblical city of Bethsaida, linked to Jesus’ miracles and home to apostles Peter, Andrew and Philip.
After a decade of excavations, researchers say the evidence is stronger than ever. pic.twitter.com/4rZIcoaRF9
— Tom Marvolo Riddle (@tom_riddle2025) September 15, 2026
A wildfire that swept across the area unexpectedly helped archaeologists determine its size. The fire cleared thick vegetation, allowing researchers to survey a wider area. They found that the ancient settlement covered at least 15 acres. Notley said the evidence has accumulated over successive excavation seasons. He said researchers have uncovered nothing since 2016 that challenges the proposed identification of El-Araj as Bethsaida.
Byzantine church strengthens Peter connection
Another major discovery came from a Byzantine basilica built over Roman-period homes. Inside the church, archaeologists found an inscription linked to the Apostle Peter. It refers to “the Chief of the Apostles and the Keeper of the Keys of Heaven,” a title associated with Peter.
Christian tradition held that the church stood over the home of Peter and Andrew. Notley said archaeologists cannot prove that one of the Roman houses belonged to Peter. Still, the church and inscription suggest Byzantine Christians connected the location with the apostle.
The Gospel of John identifies Peter, Andrew and Philip as coming from Bethsaida. The city also appears in accounts of Jesus healing a blind man, while the feeding of the 5,000 is traditionally linked to the surrounding area. Excavations are expected to continue as archaeologists investigate more of the settlement. “I’m looking forward to what lies ahead,” Notley said.
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