Jesus, or his Hebrew name, Yeshua, taught in the synagogues around Galilee. He drove out seven demons from Mary Magdalene, whom joined Jesus’ ministry along with other women. Magdala, the hometown of Mary Magdalene, is no longer just a familiar name in the Bible, It EXISTS!
In 2011, this 1st century Jewish village was found on the side of the Sea of Galilee, just 30 centimeters underneath the earth! A synagogue from Yeshua’ time, market place, mikvahs, houses, fishing areas etc. An unique article with a menorah engraved on a piece of stone placed in the center of the synagogue was found, called ‘Magdala Stone’.
Because of the archaeological discoveries of Magdala synagogue and village, it not only proves the connection of Jewish people to this land, it also proves the authenticity of Yeshua’s life events.
Magdala comes very high on my ‘must-see’ list. This is a 1st century synagogue! It’s like going through a time machine, and you are suddenly in a 1st century Jewish village! This is the place where the Bible comes in 4D! Don’t miss out this place!
The Magdalene Archaeological Park was discovered in a miraculous manner in 2009. The priest was going to build a Christian conference center by the Galilee. He bought a property which was a resort struggling with business. Before this no one knew where Magdala was! According to Israeli law, there is a certain procedure to go through to make sure building a new foundation will not hurt any remained archaeological items. It’s just a procedure, but voila! A synagogue was found! Who would have thought THIS was the exact place? And what surprised many was Magdala Stone, which was found in the synagogue. It’s very likely to be made by a person who had actually seen the Menorah in the Temple of God with his own eyes. And therefore, it gives us an idea of what Menorah would look like! Wow!
The Meaning of Magdala
Magdala is taken from an Aramaic word Magdala (מגדלא) or a Hebrew word Migdal (מגדל). It means “tower”.
Magdala is not only mentioned in the Bible, it’s also mentioned in Babylonian Talmud. The full name of Magdala was used there- מגדלא נוניה (Magdala Nunayya), and it means fish tower. Josephus the historian mentioned a place of salted fish, Taricheae, and he probably refered to Magdala.
Magdala in the Bible
1. Yeshua (Jesus) walked throughout all Galilee. Since Magdala is located in Galilee, (and plus there is a synagogue here), it’s very likely that Yeshua had taught in this place.
Yeshua was going throughout all the Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the Good News of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and sickness among the people. (Matthew 4:23)
2. The birthplace of Mary Magdalene
Standing near the execution stake of Yeshua were His mother, His mother’s sister, Miriam the wife of Clopas, and Miriam from Magdala. (John 19:25)
And certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities—Miriam, the one called Magdalene, out of whom seven demons had gone (Luke 8:2)
3. Magadan is Magdala
And He sent away the multitude, got into the boat, and came to the region of Magdala.) (NKJV) / And after sending away the crowds, Yeshua got into the boat and went to the region of Magadan. (Matthew 15:39)
4. Magdala is probably Dalmanutha
Right away, He got into the boat with His disciples and went to the area of Dalmanutha. (Mark 8:10)
The History of Magdala
Magdala was a small fishing village. With its superior location, which is next to Arbel stream and the sea of Galilee, this place was suitable for developing agricultural or fishing industry. It makes sense how Mary Magdalene could support Yeshua’s ministry. (By the way, the Bible only says she was demon possessed and a sinner, but it wasn’t mentioned that she was a prostitute!)
From the 18 AD onwards, Magdala the fishing village lost its importance because of the rise of a new Roman city – Tiberias.
In addition to being the hometown of Mary Magdalene, Magdalene was also the hometown of Yosef ben Matityahu. He was a general who led the Jewish revolt against the Romans, but he lost and was enslaved. Later he was famously known as Josephus Flavius the historian. In 66-67AD, the Jewish revolution failed. In Roman and Byzantine times, Magdala was gradually forgotten.
In 1960, on the surface of where Magdala was, a resort called “Hawaii Beach” was built. The business was not successful. In 2006, it was sold to Catholic priest Father Juan Solana, who wanted to build a Christian prayer and worship center by the Sea of Galilee.
The acquision of the land took 3 years and 4 installments. In 2009, the church went through regular archaeological inspection to make sure there’s no historical items or artifacts underneath the stratum. And 30 centimeters below the surface, a 1st century synagogue was found! Archaeological work is still ongoing.
Entry Tickets
Adult ₪15, Student or Over 65 ₪10, Kids (Under 12) free.
The land was originally bought to build a Christian worship center, but now they are preserving this place, and they are independently paying for all excavation costs. From what they are charging, I think it is fairly reasonable!
