Capernaum

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Capernaum

Israel

Also known as: Capharnaum, Kefar Naḥum

Written and fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Article History

Douai:: Capharnaum

Modern:: Kefar Naḥum

Related Topics:: synagogue; New Testament

Related Places:: Israel

See all related content

Capernaum, ancient city on the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee, Israel. It was Jesus’ second home and, during the period of his life, a garrison town, an administrative centre, and a customs station. Jesus chose his disciples Peter, Andrew, and Matthew from Capernaum and performed many of his miracles there. The long dispute over Kefar Naḥum’s identification with Capernaum was settled by excavations begun in 1905 by H. Kohl and C. Watzinger, and completed by the Franciscans. Among the remains discovered during the excavations was a rectangular synagogue dating from the 2nd–3rd century ce; an older synagogue dating from the time of Christ may be buried beneath its foundation.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.