Magdala (المجدل), meaning tower, was an ancient city on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, 3 miles (4.8 km) north of Tiberias. In the Babylonian Talmud it is known as Magdala Nunayya (Aramaic: מגדלא נוניה, meaning "Tower of the Fishes"), and which some historical geographers think may refer to Tarichaea, literally the place of processing fish. It is believed to be the birthplace of Mary Magdalene.
Hsamonaean / Hellenistic Period
Archaeological excavations suggest that the early settlement at the site began during the Hellenistic period (between the second and first centuries BCE) and ended during the late Roman period (third century CE). The ancient "Magdala Synagogue" was built around the same time as well. Modern excavations have revealed first century CE Jewish town lying just below the surface.
Herodian Period (37 - 4 BCE)
During the Herodian period, ancient Magdala most likely formed part of Herod Antipas's domain, who was responsible for much of the development around the Sea of Galilee.
Roman Period (4 BCE - 68 CE)
During the Herodian period, ancient Magdala most likely formed part of Herod Antipas's domain, who was responsible for much of the development around the Sea of Galilee.
Destruction During the First Roman-Jewish War
The ancient city of magdala was destroyed by the Romans during the First Jewish-Roman War around 68 CE.
Byzantine Era (313 - 636 CE)
During the Byzantine period the ancient fishing village remained a small backwater of the Roman empire. During the Byzantine and the subsequent Muslim period, the inhabited town had moved a bit to the north.
Muslim Period (636 - 1948 CE)
During the Muslim period the site retained its status as a small village and most of its significance still remained tied to its association with the Mary of Magdala. In 1948 CE, the small Arab village was depopulated.
Also called the "Migdal synagogue" is a significant archaeological religious structure, providing insights into Jewish life and worship during the later Second Temple period. The Magdala Synagogue is notable for its unique architectural features that distinguish it from other synagogues of its time. The synagogue includes a central stone, a stone bench along the walls, and an ornately decorated Torah niche (aedicula) where the Torah scrolls were stored. Read more
The so-called "Magdala stone" was found during excavations at the site of the Magdala Synagogue, and it is considered one of the most significant discoveries from that location. The Magdala Stone is rectangular and features on the short side a seven-pronged menorah flanked with large jars and columns, on the long sides architectural carvings to give the feeling of being "inside" a Synagogue, and on the top a rosette design with six petals. his is the first menorah to be discovered in a Jewish context and that dates to the Second Temple period/beginning of the Early Roman period.
al-Majdal was a Palestinian Arab village, located on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee (some 200 meters or 660 feet below sea level) north of modern day cities of Tiberias and south of Khan Minyeh. Read more
The Byzantine period monastery, located south of the Franciscan property, stretched over an eighty five hundred square meters space surrounded by a wall. In the north section of this enclosure, there were rooms with mosaic floors: possibly the rooms dedicated to pilgrims. Read more
Originally ientified as a small synagogue, the structure was later convincingly identified as a fountain or nymphaeum. Read more
Richard Bauckham
Magdala of Galilee for the first time unifies the results of various excavations of the Galilean city. Here, archaeologists and historians of the Second Temple Period work together to understand the site and its significance to profile Galilee and the region around the lake in the Early Roman period.
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Contrary to popular belief, archaeology of first-century Roman Galilee is not about illustrating or proving the Gospels, drawing timelines, or hunting treasure. Rather, it is about understanding the lives of people, just like us, who lived in the time of Jesus. How do we understand Jesus and his mission as part of a larger world?
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In a new interpretation of the Stations of the Cross, this rendition provides a human perspective—specifically, that of Mary Magdalene—and incorporates elements of history, archaeology, and images from the present-day sites along the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem.
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Perhaps no figure in biblical scholarship has been the subject of more controversy and debate than Mary Magdalene. Also known as Miriam of Magdala, Mary Magdalene was considered by the apostle John to be the founder of Christianity because she was the first witness to the Resurrection.
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The Madain Project is an online archive of Abrahamic History and Archaeology.
Abrahamic History & Archaeology is the study of history and archaeology with respect to the three Abrahamic Faiths without considering the religious and theological aspects. The goal of Abrahamic History is to understand how and why the religious doctrines and behaviours have evlovled and changed over time. Searching for patterns in the evolution of significant cultural events such as the development of farming, the emergence of cities, or the collapse of major civilizations for clues of why and how these have influenced the three major Abrahamic religions.
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