Archaeological sites in Sea of Galilee

Ancient Ruins and Archaeological Sites

The Sea of Galilee region contains a dense concentration of historical remains spanning the Roman, Byzantine, and Early Islamic periods. This list features significant archaeological sites like the fishing village of Capernaum, the basalt ruins of Korazim, and the Decapolis city of Hippos (Susita). Highlights include ancient synagogues, early Christian churches, Roman theaters, and the Umayyad-era Khirbet Minya palace. These excavations reveal the architectural evolution and diverse cultural heritage of one of the world's most historically significant lakefronts.

Ancient Ruins and Archaeological Sites — Map

David Shankbone / CC-BY-SA-3.0

A

Capernahum

Capernaum was a fishing village established during the time of the Hasmoneans, located on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee.

Davidbena / CC BY-SA 4.0

B

Korazim

Ancient Jewish town known for its black basalt architecture, including a well-preserved 4th-century synagogue and residential quarters.

C

Susita

Located on a hill overlooking the lake, this Decapolis city features Roman colonnaded streets, a forum, and several Byzantine churches.

Bukvoed / CC BY 3.0

D

Horbat Minnim

Khirbet Minya, also known as Qasr al-Minya or Ayn Minyat Hisham in Arabic and Horvat/Hurvat Minnim in Hebrew, is an Umayyad-built qasr in…

E

Synagogue of Capernaum

A 4th-century white limestone synagogue built over the remains of an earlier basalt structure, traditionally associated with the ministry of Jesus.

F

Byt hknst sl mgdl

One of the oldest synagogues in Israel, dating to the Second Temple period, featuring the carved Magdala Stone.

G

odeon

Small Roman-era theater in the city of Hippos, used for musical performances and poetry readings.

H

Khirbat `Uyun

Archaeological remains of a settlement located on the slopes overlooking the southern Sea of Galilee.

I

Kafr Harib

Remains of a Byzantine-era village and later Syrian outpost overlooking the Sea of Galilee from the Golan Heights.

J

Twthy nbrwn

Remains of Syrian artillery positions on the Golan Heights overlooking the lake.

K

Mbny btwn hrwsym

Ruins of concrete buildings, likely military or agricultural structures from the mid-20th century.

L

Cathedral

The main Byzantine church of Hippos, featuring a large nave and marble columns.

M

Bwnqr thmwst

Abandoned ammunition bunker, part of historical military fortifications in the region.

N

Tel Chawara

Ancient settlement mound located near the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee.

O

Horvat Kur

Archaeological site featuring the remains of a Roman and Byzantine-period village and synagogue.

P

Tel Yin`am

Archaeological mound with evidence of occupation from the Bronze Age through the Roman period.

Q

Me`arat Amira

Prehistoric cave site in the Amud Stream area, known for Paleolithic archaeological finds.

R

Bitanya

Ruins of an early 20th-century farm and training center near the Jordan River.

S

Horbat Qedesh

Archaeological site containing ruins of an ancient settlement near the Yavne'el Valley.

T

Northwest Church

One of several Byzantine-era churches excavated at the site of Hippos.

U

Basilica

Large Roman civic building at Hippos used for administrative and judicial purposes.

V

Winery complex

Large-scale Byzantine industrial wine press located within the city of Hippos.

W

Baptistery

Christian ritual structure located within the Cathedral complex at Hippos.

X

Bathhouse

Remains of a Roman public bathing facility at the archaeological site of Hippos.

Y

Samakh

Ruins of a Palestinian village and historic Hijaz Railway station at the southern tip of the lake.

Z

Horbat Menorim

Site of an ancient Jewish village overlooking the Sea of Galilee, named for a menorah carving found there.

Tbryh htyqh

Excavated remains of the Roman-Byzantine city of Tiberias, including a stadium and bathhouses.

Horbat Qazra Diteverya

Archaeological remains of a fortified structure or settlement on the heights above Tiberias.

Tel Hodim

Ancient settlement mound located near the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee.

Basilika

Civic or religious structure located at the Kursi archaeological site.

Tbryh htyqh

Archaeological excavations of the ancient city of Tiberias, focusing on the southern gate and marketplace.

Chapel

Small Byzantine religious structure located within the Kursi monastery complex.

Northeast Church

Byzantine-era church ruin located at the Hippos archaeological site.

Southwest church

Byzantine-period church located on the southwestern edge of the Hippos plateau.

Baths

Remains of the Roman-era thermal bath system at Hippos.

Hippos

A hippo or hippopotamus is either of two species of large African mammal which live mainly in and near water:

AVRAHAM GRAICER / CC BY-SA 4.0

Byt hbq

Ruined 19th-century basalt estate house built by a wealthy Persian family near the Jordan River delta.

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