El-Araj Excavations Confirm Identity of Biblical Bethsaida

Key points

Steven Notley, academic director of the El-Araj Excavation Project, stated he is 100% certain the site is Bethsaida based on cumulative evidence since 2016.

Excavations uncovered a Jewish fishing village, a Roman bathhouse, and a Byzantine basilica containing an inscription referencing the Apostle Peter.

The settlement spans at least 15 acres, with findings including over 200 coins, lead fishing weights, and stone vessels.

A wildfire last year cleared underbrush, allowing researchers to map the full extent of the ancient settlement.

The site is significant because it was the home of apostles Peter, Andrew, and Philip, and the setting for several of Jesus' miracles.

Background

Previous coverage in August 2026 noted growing confidence among archaeologists regarding the El-Araj site's identity as Bethsaida, citing Roman-era walls and Herodian lamps. Earlier reports also highlighted a 2,000-year-old fishing boat found near the Sea of Galilee, which provides archaeological context for biblical narratives, though it cannot be definitively linked to Jesus. The current discovery builds on these prior findings by confirming the urban and religious structures of the city itself.

How outlets are covering it

Fox News emphasizes the definitive nature of the discovery, citing Steven Notley's 100% confidence and the accumulation of evidence over ten years. Ancient Origins, in a related but distinct report, focuses on the Capernaum port revealed by receding waters, noting that while the harbor is historically significant, there is no firm proof Jesus walked on that specific spot. This highlights a difference in focus: Fox News centers on the identification of Bethsaida as a city, while Ancient Origins discusses the broader maritime context of Jesus' ministry in Galilee. Both sources agree on the archaeological richness of the region but differ in the specific sites highlighted.

Why it matters

The confirmation of Bethsaida's location provides a tangible link to the New Testament period, offering insights into the daily life and religious practices of Jesus' contemporaries. The discovery of a basilica with an inscription linked to Peter adds a layer of historical depth to early Christian history, potentially influencing future archaeological and theological research in the region.

What to watch

Researchers plan to continue excavations at El-Araj to uncover more of the Roman-period remains and further validate the site's identity. The findings may lead to increased tourism and scholarly interest in the Sea of Galilee region, as well as further studies on the dating and structure of the ancient settlement.