Capernaum - Madain Project (en) (2024)

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Capernaum, Kfar Naḥūm (كفر ناحوم‎), was a fishing village established during the time of the Hasmoneans, located on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Archaeological excavations have revealed two ancient synagogues built one over the other. A house turned into a church by the Byzantines is said to be the home of Saint Peter. The village was inhabited continuously from the second century BCE to the eleventh century CE, when it was abandoned sometime before the Crusader conquest. This includes the re-establishment of the village during the Early Islamic period soon after the 749 CE earthquake.

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Hasmoneans Period (circa 140 BCE - 37 BCE)
Capernaum likely existed during this period, and archaeological evidence suggests that the site may have been occupied in earlier Hellenistic period as well. The Hellenistic period corresponds to the time after the conquests of Alexander the Great when the influence of Greek culture spread throughout the eastern Mediterranean. It is estimated that the fishing town of Capernaum had a population of some 1,500 in the first century CE.

Roman Period (30 BCE - 330 CE)
Capernaum continued to thrive during the Roman period. The town played a significant role in trade and fishing activities around the Sea of Galilee. The remains of the synagogue in Capernaum, which dates back to this period, suggest a well-established and prosperous community. Although the small fishing village was not involved in the Jewish uprising against the Romans (First Jewish–Roman War 66–73 CE), the Jewish-Roman historian Josephus Flavius is believed to have stayed at Capernaum (Kepharnōkón) after a fall from his horse in nearby Bethsaida.

Byzantine Period (330 CE - 638 CE)
The Byzantine period saw the construction of Christian churches and the spread of Christianity throughout the region. The archaeological site of Capernaum includes evidence of a Byzantine church built over what is traditionally considered the house of Saint Peter. During this period, around 530 CE, Capernaum was mentioned in the writings of Theodosius the archdeacon who said that it was situated, as one goes northward from Tiberias, two miles from Tabgha (Heptapegon) and six miles short of Bethsaida along the same route.

Islamic Period (638 CE - 1099 CE)
Following the Arab-Muslim conquest, the town's prominence declined, and Capernaum went through a period of transformation. While historical records about specific events in Capernaum during this time are limited, archaeological evidence suggests that the town persisted, albeit with reduced significance.

Crusader Period (1099 CE - 1291 CE)
The Crusaders, who sought to control the Holy Land, established settlements and fortifications in the region. Capernaum was not a major Crusader center, but there were influences from this period in the broader context of the Holy Land.

Mamluk and Ottoman Periods (13th century - 1918)
Capernaum's significance further diminished during the Mamluk and Ottoman periods. The town's decline was likely influenced by economic factors, changing trade routes, and natural disasters.

Modern Period (20th century - present)
Capernaum was rediscovered in the 19th century, leading to systematic archaeological excavations. The site has become an important archaeological and religious destination, attracting visitors interested in the historical and biblical aspects of the region.

Sea of Galilee Boat

Also known as the "Jesus Boat", is an ancient fishing boat that was discovered in 1986 CE on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee. The boat dates back to the first century CE, around the time of Jesus Christ. It is believed to be similar to the type of boat used by fishermen in the region during that time. The discovery of the boat was significant because it provided insights into the fishing and maritime practices of the period, as well as the technology and construction methods used to build such boats. Read more

House of Saint Peter

The House of Saint Peter, also known as the "Church of the House of Peter" or "Peter's House", is a historical and archaeological site located in Capernaum, near the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Capernaum is often associated with Jesus' ministry and is mentioned in the New Testament as a place where Jesus performed miracles and taught. The House of Saint Peter is believed by tradition to be the place where the apostle Peter lived and where Jesus may have stayed during his time in Capernaum. Read more

Memorial Church of Saint Peter

The St. Peter's Church also called the Pilgrimage Church of St. Peter in Capernaum is a modern Catholic pilgrimage church found in the archaeological site of Capernaum. The church is part of the Franciscan monastery in Capernaum. It is dedicated to St. Peter, whom Catholics consider the first leader of the Church. Read more

Featured Article Byzantine Era Church of St. Peter

Due to its location and early treatment as a Christian pilgrimage site, a large octagonal Byzantine church was erected over the purported "House of Peter" in the fifth century CE. The so-called "House of Peter" is an ancient residential structure at Capernaum on the Sea of Galilee that’s been an obvious object of attention and religious devotion since the second century CE. The association with Saint Peter adds religious significance to the ancietn archaeological site for Christian pilgrims.

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Synagogue of Jesus

The Capernaum synagogue is often referred to as the "Synagogue of Jesus" or the "White Synagogue". It is a site of historical and religious significance as it is believed to have been a place where Jesus taught. The ruins of the synagogue visible today date back to the fourth or fifth century CE, but they are built upon the remains of an earlier synagogue from the first century CE, the time of Jesus. Read more

Franciscan Monastery

The Franciscans, officially known as the Order of Friars Minor, have been involved in preserving and maintaining Christian holy sites in the Holy Land for centuries. This includes churches, monasteries, and other religious structures associated with the life and teachings of Jesus. Read more

Greek Orthodox Monastery

The Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Apostles is the church at the centre of the Greek Orthodox Monastery of the Holy Apostles at Capernaum, standing among the ruins of ancient Capernaum (Kfar Nachum) near the shore of the Sea of Galilee. It is also known as simply the Greek Orthodox church at Capernaum, to differentiate it from the Franciscan monastery standing in the southern part of Capernaum. Read more

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