Ancient biblical harbour discovered after 2,000 years: Did Jesus walk on water here?

A drop in the Sea of Galilee’s water level has exposed the remains of an ancient harbour that once linked the biblical city of Capernaum to the lake, nearly 2,000 years after it was built.

Archaeologists found part of a Roman pier made from huge stone blocks, with recesses that served as berths for fishing boats. A pyramidal stone marked the harbour entrance and helped boats find their way safely to the landing. Two parallel stone structures, about four metres apart, created a sheltered space for vessels.

The discovery has drawn attention because of Capernaum’s connection to one of the best-known stories in the New Testament, the account of Jesus walking on water. According to John’s Gospel, the disciples were travelling toward Capernaum when they saw Jesus approaching across the water during rough conditions on the lake. The Gospel does not identify where he entered the water or where he reached shore.

For that reason, archaeologists do not claim that the newly exposed pier was the site of the miracle. They say instead that it provides a rare view of the maritime world in which Jesus and his disciples lived. Capernaum was a major centre of Jesus’ activity, where the Gospels say he preached, healed the sick and performed miracles. The city was also associated with fishermen including Peter, Andrew, James and John.

“ For the first time, we can speak about Jesus’ maritime activities on the Sea of Galilee, and not only about his deeds on land,” said Hagay Dvir, a specialist in archaeology and tourism. He said the harbour may have been used by fishermen like those described in the New Testament, including Jesus’ disciples. One researcher said the boats there could have carried a group the size of Jesus and his apostles.

A first-century wooden boat found near Kibbutz Ginosar during a severe drought in 1986 offers an indication of the vessels’ possible appearance. The boat was about eight metres long and could travel by sail and oar. Because of its links to Gospel descriptions, it became known as the “Jesus boat”.

The ancient pier first became visible in November 2025, when low water exposed more of the ancient shoreline. Specialists had known the remains existed, but the falling lake level allowed them to examine the harbour structure in greater detail.

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For the first time, we can speak about Jesus’ maritime activities on the Sea of Galilee, and not only about his deeds on land