Archaeology: The Galilee boat

In 1986 the water of the Sea of Galilee reached an unusually low point. At that time, residents of a village on the northwest shore discovered an ancient fishing boat that has been claimed to date from the first century B.C.

The vessel was 25 feet long and was preserved in the mud of the lake. Coins and pottery found with the boat date to New Testament times. The only such boat ever found, it shows the type of boats used by Jesus and the disciples.

After a difficult unearthing process that had to be completed before the water rose again, the excavated boat was put on display in its modern-day position near the kibbutz Ginosar.

Kyle Campbell