Event 64

Bethsaida

The area of Bethsaida was referred in the New testament in conjunction with two of Jesus miracles: healing the blind man and the first feeding of the Multitude. It is also known as the birthplace of some of the Apostles (Andrew, Peter, Philip). The city's name was changed to Julias by Herod Philip, son of Herod the Great, who was also buried there.

The area of BethSaida is located at the delta of the upper Jordan river, where it enters to the Sea of Galilee. It is east located 4KM (2.5 miles) northeast of Capernaum. This area has many ancient sites due to its strategic location: a crossing of the ancient trade route, a flow of water, the fish and game that can be found around the site, and the fertile soil in the area.

According to recent excavations, Khirbet et-Tel ("the Tell") was confirmed as a plausible candidate for that village. This photo shows the reconstructed ruins of a fisherman's house.

One of the reconstructed residential houses, on the north side of the city, was named "The Wine Maker's House" since a wine cellar was found in the complex. It is marked as a red square on the diagram.

A view of the "Wine Maker's House", from the west side, is shown here. The entrance to the house is on the right (south) side.

For more info on this site click here.

Mk 8:22-26: "And he cometh to Bethsaida; and they bring a blind man unto him, and besought him to touch him. And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought. And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking. After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly. And he sent him away to his house, saying, Neither go into the town, nor tell it to any in the town".