Ancient ‘Jesus Boat’ Reveals Life in Biblical Times

Experts believe a 2,000-year-old fishing boat, often called the “Jesus Boat,” offers important insights into life during the time of Jesus Christ. Though there’s no proof Jesus or his disciples used it, the boat matches the style used in the first century, when “Jesus frequently carried out his ministry…around the Sea of Galilee,” according to the Associates for Biblical Research.

A Remarkable Discovery

The boat was discovered in 1986 by brothers Yuval and Moshe Lufan during a severe drought along the Sea of Galilee, also known as Lake Tiberias. “Archaeologists working around the clock unveiled the 2,000-year-old Jesus Boat 12 days after first informing the Israel Antiquities Authority of their discovery,” reported The Mirror US.

Craftsmanship and Materials

The boat measures 27 feet long and 7.5 feet wide, with a flat-bottom design for fishing in shallow waters. It was built from ten types of wood, including cedar. Historians believe this variety indicates that “shipbuilders and carpenters may have had to use scraps to create vessels due to a lack of materials.” The construction style aligns with “biblical writings, Roman literature, and antique mosaics,” noted The Express.

Preservation and Public Display

After being cleaned of mud and wrapped in fiberglass and foam, the boat was transported to the Yigal Alon Museum in Kibbutz Ginosar. Today, it’s displayed alongside an educational exhibit about its history and excavation. Visitors can also take guided cruises on Lake Galilee in modern replicas of the vessel. According to Jesusboats.com, “these can be taken in the moonlight, at sunrise, and at sunset.”