Falling water levels in the Sea of Galilee have exposed part of an ancient Roman-era port that once connected Capernaum to the lake during the time of Jesus.
The structure emerged along the lake’s northern shore in November 2025, revealing rows of enormous stones arranged to create recessed docking areas for fishing boats, according to the Daily Mail.
Excavators discovered two parallel rows of stones approximately 10 to 13 feet apart. The protected space between them formed a berth large enough to accommodate two vessels at the same time.
Researchers also identified a pyramid-shaped stone believed to have served as an entrance marker, helping approaching boats navigate safely into the harbor.
Order Dinesh D’Souza’s New Book, “The Stones Cry Out” on Amazon.com!
Unlike modern piers built as continuous platforms, Roman ports contained separate recessed spaces where vessels could dock. Archaeologists said the remains provide a rare view of the working waterfront used by fishermen and travelers approximately 2,000 years ago.
“For the first time, we can speak of Jesus’ maritime activity on the Sea of Galilee, and not only of His works on land,” archaeologist Dr. Hagay Dvir said.
Capernaum became the center of Jesus’ ministry after He left Nazareth. The Gospels describe Him teaching in the village, healing the sick and repeatedly traveling across the Sea of Galilee by boat with His disciples.
“It is logical to think that these moorings, constantly used by those entering and leaving the port, also included a docking spot specifically for the boat of Jesus,” Dvir told the Christian Media Center.
Although researchers cannot establish that Jesus used this particular pier, the structure matches the type of harbor that would have served the fishing boats described in the New Testament.
Archaeologist Father Eugenio Alliata said boats docking there could have carried a group the size of Jesus and His apostles. He compared them to the approximately 27-foot Roman-era fishing boat discovered near Kibbutz Ginosar in 1986.
Carbon-14 testing dated that vessel to the first century. Powered by sails and oars, it could hold approximately 12 people.
Together, the pier and ancient boat offer physical evidence of the maritime setting described throughout the Gospels.
James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a journalism background from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and at the LA Dream Center. A Marine Corps and Air Force veteran, he is the author of The Revelation of Jesus: A Common Man’s Commentary and a contributor to Charisma magazine. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected].
