One of the most significant archaeological sites of the New Testament is undoubtedly Capernaum. The word “Capernaum” comes from the Aramaic word ‘Kepar Naum’, which means the village of Nahum. Capernaum is known to be the center of Jesus’ Galilean ministry as well as home of Peter, one of the twelve apostles. Not only was it a synagogue where Jesus delivered sermons but also a place where five of the apostles were chosen: Peter, Andrew, James, John and Matthew. It is also one of the three cities cursed by Jesus for its lack of faith. According to the Bible, many miracles were performed in Capernaum. The Bible mentions Capernaum 16 times in the chapters of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. In chapter eight of Matthews, it is mentioned that Jesus healed the Centurion’s servant as well as Peter’s Mother in law. The gospel of Luke identifies the Centurion as the Roman army officer who built the synagogue in Capernaum. Also, the books of Mark and Luke mention many miracles that were performed through supernatural deeds, such as exorcisms, resurrection of the dead people and physical healing. Because of these miracles narrated in the Bible, Capernaum remains as an important archaeological site that still needs more evidence for Jesus’ public life.
Capernaum is located in the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee. It
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It was an octagonal church. This layout of the building is very similar to churches of the same kind in Italy and Syria as well as Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem that was built in late 7th century. The church and the ruined synagogue stand almost adjacent to each other near the shore of Galilee. There are houses that were built from 1st century to 6th century between the church and the synagogue. This church underwent reconstruction process in 1990 so that the church is preserved and protected well. It is now a church for people who reserved for the weekly