In 1986, an ancient fishing boat was discovered at the bottom of the Sea of Galilee. While there’s no proof it was actually used by Jesus, it provides an insight into maritime transportation during his era
An ancient fishing boat, dredged up from the depths of the Sea of Galilee in 1986, offered a rare insight into seafaring during the time of Jesus Christ.
Although there’s no evidence to suggest this was the actual craft used by Jesus and his disciples, it typifies the kind of vessel common in the 1st century AD and is often dubbed the ‘Jesus Boat’.
The artefact is currently on display at the Yigal Alon Museum in Kibbutz Ginosar, Israel. As reported by Aleteia, the boat was constructed using cedar planks, joined together by pegged mortise and tenon joints, a typical carpentry method of that era.
Many museum-goers, particularly those of religious persuasion, find the boat a poignant and emotive exhibit, providing a link to both Jesus’s ministry and the historical backdrop of the Gospels.
The museum offers informative displays and a documentary detailing the boat’s construction, the excavation process, and its historical and cultural importance. Some visitors also embark on a guided tour of Lake Galilee where those wishing to feel a connection to history can traverse the lake on a modern, replica boat akin to the one Jesus would have journeyed on.
The ship’s flat-bottomed design would have enabled it to sail close to the shallow waters near the shore for fishing. It would have been operated by a four-man crew who rowed, and a mast would have aided sailing, reports the Mirror US.
These types of vessels are frequently referenced in the Gospels – around 50 times – underlining their significant role in Jesus’ life and ministry.
During a severe drought, amateur archaeologists and brothers Moshe and Yuval Lufan ventured to the Sea of Galilee in search of artefacts. Spotting an object protruding from the mud, the two fishermen alerted the Israel Antiquities Authority.
The team realised the remains of the boat were of tremendous historical importance to both Christians and Jews alike, so an archaeological dig was arranged. Rumour soon spread that the boat was full of gold and the dig had to be guarded night and day.
The archaeologists spent 12 days meticulously removing the mud, eventually revealing the remarkably well-preserved 2,000 year old boat.
Radiocarbon dating places the boat’s construction between 40 BC and 50 AD. The 27-foot long by 7.5-foot wide vessel was encased in fibreglass and foam before being relocated.
It then spent 12 years submerged in a protective wax bath until it was ready to be showcased in the museum.
Upon closer inspection, the boat was discovered to be crafted from 10 different types of wood. This could suggest a shortage of wood at the time, or perhaps that the boat was constructed from leftover pieces, or even that it had been subject to numerous repairs, as per Wikipedia.
The boat’s construction style aligns with descriptions found in Roman literature, biblical texts, and ancient mosaics.
