Archaeologists Say 15-Acre El-Araj Is Bethsaida After 10 Years of Excavations

2 articles · Updated · Fox News · Sep 11

Steven Notley said he is "100%" certain El-Araj is biblical Bethsaida, capping a decade-long dig at the Sea of Galilee site.
10 years of excavations have produced what he called an unbroken chain of supporting evidence: a Jewish fishing settlement, later Roman-era urban remains, and no finds that contradict the identification.
Over 200 coins, thousands of lead fishing weights, Jewish stone vessels, a Roman bathhouse and new Roman-period pottery have helped date and define the settlement.
A wildfire last year cleared underbrush and let researchers survey the site more fully, leading them to estimate the ancient settlement covered at least 15 acres.
A Byzantine basilica inscription linked to the Apostle Peter adds to the site's Christian significance, though Notley said archaeology cannot prove a specific house belonged to Peter or Andrew.