Bethsaida: Did Archaeologists Find the Lost Hometown of Peter, Andrew and Philip?...

Archaeologists excavating at El Araj on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee have uncovered remains of a first-century Jewish fishing village. Artifacts include stone vessels, coins and pottery consistent with Jewish life in the period.

A Byzantine church layer above the village features a mosaic inscription referencing the “chief of the apostles” and “keeper of the keys of heaven,” titles linked to the apostle Peter. Researchers suggest the site may be the biblical Bethsaida, hometown of Peter, Andrew and Philip.