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Close to forty years ago, two brothers made a fascinating discovery that would eventually be called the ‘Jesus Boat’. Experts now believe this ancient vessel could reveal meaningful insights about daily life during biblical times.

According to Live Science, many scholars suggest that Jesus Christ—considered the central figure in Christianity was born between 6 and 4 BC and lived during the 1st century.

Although there’s no way to know the exact timeline of his life with absolute certainty, it’s widely believed that he spent most of his time traveling through various parts of Israel. He lived in places like Nazareth and Galilee and spent time in Jerusalem, where he was ultimately crucified.

The Associates for Biblical Research noted that the gospels mention Jesus frequently carried out his ministry around the Sea of Galilee, which is in northwest Israel.

Known by other names like Lake Tiberias and Lake Kinneret, the Sea of Galilee is a narrow stretch of water nestled in a long depression. Today, it’s still visited by many religious pilgrims from around the world.

It was in this very body of water that, in 1986, an ancient fishing boat was discovered submerged just below the surface.

Although there is no direct proof that Jesus or his disciples actually used this boat, it’s considered a powerful symbol of that era. The design of the boat matches the kind used in the 1st century and so it has been affectionately nicknamed the ‘Jesus Boat’, as per The Express.

The Jesus Boat gives insight into life 2,000 years agoThe Yigal Allon Centre
The boat was brought to light by amateur archaeologists—and brothers—Moshe and Yuval Lufan. They came across it during a time of severe drought, which exposed parts of the lakebed that were normally hidden under water.

Just 12 days after they informed the Israel Antiquities Authority about their incredible find, a team of archaeologists revealed the fully excavated Jesus Boat. They had worked day and night to bring it out of the earth without damaging it.

As reported by The Mirror US here, the boat measures 27 feet in length and 7.5 feet in width. Its flat-bottomed structure was specifically built for fishing in the shallow waters close to shore.

The Sea of Galilee is where the ‘Jesus Boat’ was recoveredSS Crew Earth Observations experiment and Image Science & Analysis Laboratory, Johnson Space Center
According to the same outlet, the boat is now housed in the Yigal Alon Museum located at Kibbutz Ginosar. What makes it even more interesting is that it was made using ten different kinds of wood, including cedar planks.

Historians believe this mixed-material construction offers a glimpse into what life might have been like during the biblical era. The use of scrap wood suggests there may have been shortages, forcing shipbuilders to be resourceful with what they had.

The design and craftsmanship of the boat also line up with what’s been described in Roman texts, ancient biblical writings, and even mosaics from that time, as The Express pointed out.

Once archaeologists had carefully removed all the layers of mud covering the Jesus Boat, they reinforced it with fibreglass and foam to protect it during transport to the museum.

The museum now features a full display dedicated to the Sea of Galilee boat. Visitors can learn about its historical and cultural importance and read about the intense effort it took to excavate and preserve it.

Guests who visit the Yigal Alon Museum can also take a ride on the lake in a modern replica of the kind of boat that might have been used during Jesus’ ministry.

These replica boat tours are offered during different times of the day—sunrise, sunset, and even under the moonlight, according to Jesusboats.com.

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