Capernaum -- March 1999

  
This was a reconstructed fourth century synagogue at Capernaum.  The synagogue was built after Christianity was legalized in the Roman Empire.  It was one of the largest in Israel during Byzantine times.  Many Byzantine Christian pilgrims were going to Capernaum to see the remains of Peter's house.  The pilgrims enriched this little village. Currently the Franciscan monks own the property.  A first century  synagogue floor was found under the fourth century synagogue.  Jesus cast a demon out of a mentally ill man in the synagogue at Capernaum.  Historian Josephus of the first century AD wrote about first century synagogues in his description of Galilee.  Flavius Josephus also wrote brief descriptions about Jesus and John the Baptist.  The Franciscan monks maintain Capernaum.  They have a well written web site at:

 http://www.christusrex.org/www1/ofm/sites/TScpmain.html

Dave Hall's Capernaum Page at Israel Photos III:  Capernaum the Town of Jesus


Capernaum - April 2005