Jesus Boat Museum
boat on the Sea of Galilee
In 1986, an ancient boat was pulled from the mud along the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee. It was a unique and exciting find that gives us an idea of the sort of boat used during the time of Jesus.
the Museum
The boat appeared due to a great drought during which the waters of the lake receded and was discovered by the brothers Moshe and Yuval Lufan, second-generation fishermen from Kibbutz Ginosar. The brothers reported that when they found the boat, a double rainbow appeared in the sky.
The subsequent archaeological dig was undertaken by members of the Kibbutz
Ginosar, the Antiquities Authority, and many volunteers. Pulling the boat from
the mud without damaging it — yet quickly enough to extract it before the water
rose again — was a delicate process, lasting 12 days and nights. The boat then
had to be submerged in a chemical bath for 7 years before it could be displayed.
the ancient boat
The boat has been dated to the 1st century AD based on pottery and nails found
in association with the boat, radiocarbon dating, and hull construction
techniques. Evidence of repeated repairs indicates the boat was used for several
decades, perhaps nearly a century. When it was considered beyond repair, all
useful wooden parts were removed and the remaining hull sunk to the bottom of
the lake.
The Galilee Boat is apparently the type of boat that was used on the Sea of
Galilee for both fishing and transportation across the lake. It is likely that
this sort of boat was used by Jesus and his disciples, many of whom were
fishermen. Boats played a large role in Jesus life and ministry — they are
mentioned 50 times in the Gospels!
recovering and preserving the boat
There is no evidence connecting the boat to Jesus or his disciples, but it is certainly tantalizing to think that Jesus may have seen the boat sail by out on the Sea of Galilee — or even used it himself. But regardless of its history, the "Jesus boat" is a fascinating artifact that brings to life many of the Gospel accounts.
Text from Sacred Destinations
boat model
Art
Sea of Galilee
going on the Sea of Galilee
Tiberius
view of Tiberius
Sundown
landing in Tiberius
