Steven Notley Confirms Identification of El-Araj Site as Biblical Bethsaida After Decade of Excavation
Steven Notley, academic director of the El-Araj Excavation Project, stated that the archaeological site at El-Araj is 100% certain to be the biblical city of Bethsaida. This identification is based on a decade of excavations beginning in 2016, which have uncovered extensive evidence of an ancient Jewish fishing settlement and a subsequent Roman-era city. Researchers have identified key features of the site, including thousands of lead fishing weights, stone vessels associated with Jewish settlement, and the remains of a Roman bathhouse. A Byzantine basilica at the site contains an inscription referencing the Apostle Peter. The site is significant because at least one quarter of Jesus' disciples came from Bethsaida, and the city served as the setting for several of and his miracles. The excavation team has also uncovered over 200 coins and Roman-period homes. An unexpected wildfire last year helped researchers determine the size of the settlement, which is at least 15 acres. Notley noted that the evidence for the identification of the site as Bethsaida has strengthened with each season of excavation.