An extraordinary archaeological discovery along the shores of the Sea of Galilee continues to inspire fascination decades later. Known widely as the “Jesus Boat,” this 2,000-year-old fishing vessel offers a rare and powerful connection to daily life during the time traditionally associated with Jesus of Nazareth.
Unearthed During a Drought
In 1986, a severe drought caused water levels in the Sea of Galilee to drop significantly, revealing something extraordinary buried beneath layers of mud. Brothers Moshe and Yuval Lufan, local fishermen and amateur archaeologists, were exploring the receding shoreline when they spotted the outline of a boat deep in the sediment.
“When I saw her, it felt like a flash of light,” Yuval later recalled in an interview shared by the Jesus Boat website. “It was the most incredible thing I’d ever seen.”
Realizing the significance of their find, the brothers quickly contacted the Israel Antiquities Authority.
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