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Israel Antiquities Authority/Shmuel Magal
World News

Lost city of Zer where Jesus fed 5,000 found

by Eno Adeogun

According to the Golan Regional Council, a team of 20 experts and director of the Bethsaida Project, Dr Rami Arav, discovered brick that dates back to between 1000 BC to 586 BC.

The discovery in an area now called Bethsaida is an ancient fishing village mentioned several times in the New Testament as a city Jesus both lived in and where he miraculously fed a multitude of people.

 

Dr Arav told the Jerusalem Post: "There are not many gates in this country from this period. Bethsaida was the name of the city during the Second Temple period, but during the First Temple period it was the city of Zer."

Excavations of the area began nearly 30 years ago when Dr Arav on behalf of the University of Nebraska identified the ancient Bethsaida.

The site has since become a destination of Christian pilgrimage.

Shmuel Magal/Israel Antiquities Authority

Avi Lieberman, director of the Jordan Park where Bethsaida is located, said he believed the discovery would lead to even more Christians from all over the world visiting the ancient city.

He explained: "The wonderful park is also an impressive archaeological site. I am amazed each time by the arrival of thousands of evangelical visitors to Bethsaida.

"I am confident that the latest discoveries will bring more visitors to the park from around the world and from Israel."

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