Archaeologists in northern Israel believe they have uncovered the long-lost site where Jesus is said to have performed one of his most famous miracles — feeding thousands with just five loaves of bread and two fish. After centuries of debate among scholars and religious historians, new excavations have revealed ruins that match the biblical description almost perfectly, stunning experts around the world.
The discovery was made near the ancient town of Bethsaida, on the northern shores of the Sea of Galilee — a location repeatedly mentioned in the New Testament as the site of Jesus’ miracles. Researchers from the University of Haifa say they have identified the remains of a Byzantine-era church built to commemorate the event known as the Feeding of the 5,000.
“This is the first time we’ve found clear archaeological evidence aligning with early Christian writings describing this exact location,” said lead archaeologist Dr. Mordechai Aviam in an interview with Reuters. “After nearly two millennia, we’re finally standing where countless believers have long imagined Jesus once stood.”
“Israeli archaeologists believe they’ve found the site of Jesus’ miracle of the loaves and fishes, hidden for 2,000 years.” @guardian
Excavations began last year after geophysical scans detected buried stone foundations beneath farmland near El-Araj, a small fishing village long believed to be ancient Bethsaida. What they found beneath the surface shocked even seasoned researchers — a sprawling mosaic-covered floor decorated with Christian symbols, inscriptions, and depictions of fish and bread baskets.
“When we brushed away the dust and saw the first fish appear in the mosaic, everyone stopped,” said BBC News reporter Yael Fried, who was present during the dig. “It was silent for a moment — like everyone understood the magnitude of what we were seeing.”
The intricate mosaic includes Greek inscriptions dedicated to early Christian saints, as well as symbols historians say reference the Gospel of Mark’s account of the miracle. “It’s a rare and remarkable find,” said biblical archaeologist Professor Stephen Pfann. “The combination of location, imagery, and inscriptions makes this one of the most compelling pieces of evidence we’ve ever found.”
“Newly discovered mosaics near the Sea of Galilee may mark the exact place where Jesus fed the 5,000.” @Reuters
The site — believed to have been part of a once-thriving fishing community — was buried under centuries of silt and flooding from the Jordan River. Using advanced 3D mapping and soil analysis, the team determined that the ruins align with historical texts written by early Christian pilgrims around the 4th and 5th centuries. One such account, by the Bavarian bishop Willibald, specifically mentions a “church by the place of miracles,” located near where Jesus called his disciples.
“We’re not just talking about a story — we’re uncovering the physical evidence of that story,” said Dr. Aviam. “The walls, the artwork, the dedication stones — they all point to this as the legendary site of the miracle.”
News of the discovery has already attracted religious pilgrims from around the world, with many describing emotional reactions upon visiting the site. Videos shared on TikTok and X show visitors kneeling beside the ancient mosaic, lighting candles and reciting prayers. “I could feel something here,” one pilgrim told NBC News. “It’s like the past is alive beneath your feet.”
“Pilgrims wept as archaeologists unveiled the mosaic believed to mark the site of Jesus’ miracle.” @people
The Church of England and Vatican representatives have reportedly been briefed on the find, and several experts from the Pontifical Biblical Institute are expected to travel to Israel to verify the discovery. “If confirmed, this could be one of the most significant Christian archaeological finds in decades,” said Father Matteo Pini, a Vatican historian.
But not everyone is convinced. Some skeptics argue that the site could simply be one of several churches built to commemorate biblical stories rather than the precise location of the events themselves. “Ancient Christians often built symbolic monuments,” explained historian Dr. Lina Aboud. “That doesn’t make it less sacred — but it does mean we should approach it with caution.”
Still, for many believers, the discovery represents something far greater than academic confirmation. “Faith isn’t about proof,” one Jerusalem pastor told The Washington Post. “It’s about connection — and this site connects us to a moment of divine compassion that’s defined Christianity for 2,000 years.”
As excavation continues, archaeologists say they have only uncovered about 20 percent of the site. Beneath the layers of mosaic and stone, they believe more secrets from the early Christian world may still be waiting to emerge. “Every piece we uncover tells us a little more about the people who built their lives around this miracle,” Dr. Aviam said. “It’s a message that still echoes — one of faith, hope, and the power of generosity.”
“After 2,000 years, archaeologists believe they’ve found where Jesus fed the 5,000 — and it’s breathtaking.” @guardianworld
For now, the dig site remains cordoned off to the public while preservation experts work to protect the fragile mosaics from moisture and erosion. But soon, the area is expected to open to visitors as part of a new pilgrimage trail linking biblical sites around the Sea of Galilee. “This isn’t just history,” Dr. Aviam said. “It’s faith made visible.”
