Biblical Bethsaida A Study of the First Century CE in the Galilee

This book examines the archaeological site of Bethsaida located near the north shore of the Sea of Galilee, exploring its first century occupation in light of the current debates about the reconstruction of the social milieu of the larger Galilee region of that period. In the study of the cultural and social matrix of the first century CE in the Galilee scholars have commonly prioritized written sources over archaeological evidence because written sources seem to contribute more directly to an understanding of the religious beliefs and practices of a community. However, there exist many competing views of the 'landscape' of the first century CE in the Galilee due to the varying lenses employed to view the textual sources. These differing perspectives distribute along a continuum, reflecting the varied ethnicity, economics and political climate that is posited by the interpreter. This work enters that process of constructing a portrait of the First Century CE in the Galilee by drawing primarily upon the archaeological data from Et-Tell (Bethsaida) itself and suggesting its relevance for the reconstruction of the first century CE cultural context. It views the material practices of the ancient inhabitants of the site as significant indicators of their sense of 'place' both ideologically and geographically.The image that emerges from first-century CE Et-Tell (Bethsaida) is one clearly at home in the gallery of Jewish communities in the Galilee.

Carl E. Savage is director of the doctor of ministry program at Drew University and serves as assistant director of excavations for the Bethsaida Excavations Project.