Ancient City of Magdala: A Historical Treasure Unearthed in Israel
Ancient Magdala in Israel was discovered recently after a priest decided to build a retreat center. The area had been completely abandoned, and no sign of the ancient town was visible until the project was begun. Credit: AVRAM GRAICER /CC BY-SA 3.0
The ancient city of Magdala, a name prominently mentioned in the Bible as the hometown of Jesus Christ's disciple Mary Magdalene, has recently resurfaced from the sands of time in the heart of Israel. Archaeologists and historians are hailing this discovery as "one of the most significant finds in the past 50 years." In this article, we delve into the intriguing history of Magdala, its stunning archaeological discoveries, and its profound cultural and religious significance.
Magdala's Rich History Unearthed
Nestled on the shores of the Galilee, Magdala was founded during Hellenistic times and evolved into a thriving fishing village by the time the Romans invaded the Galilee in 67 AD. Its prosperity was evident in its stone-paved streets and the presence of an elaborate first-century synagogue. However, the village gradually fell into disrepair over the centuries due to religious upheavals, military conquests, and the passage of time.
The resurrection of Magdala began with an unexpected vision by a Catholic priest from Spain in 2009. This priest envisioned establishing a religious retreat center on the site of ancient Magdala, sparking the excavation process. Construction workers, unaware of the historical treasure beneath their feet, stumbled upon stone walls and passageways that once served as the town's state-of-the-art fish processing facility. These walls contained stone-lined tanks with fresh running water, central to the town's bustling fish market.
Stunning Discoveries Beneath the Surface
The excavation, initiated by the chance discovery, soon revealed the magnitude of the historical riches hidden beneath Magdala's soil. Archaeologists unearthed coins dating back to between 5 and 63 AD, with one coin from 29 AD bearing an impression that evokes Jesus teaching in the synagogues, as recounted in the New Testament.
Intricate mosaics showcasing Greco-Roman influences during the Herodian period captivated archaeologists. A small mosaicked room on the synagogue's southern side is believed to have housed Torah scrolls, shedding light on the spiritual life of the community.
At the heart of the synagogue stood the remarkable Magdala Stone, an elaborately carved artifact depicting what experts believe to be the earliest representation of the Great Temple in Jerusalem, which fell to the Roman army in 70 AD. The stone showcases a menorah, believed to be the one that graced the temple before its destruction, making it the oldest known sculpture of a menorah.
The inside of the first-century AD synagogue at the ancient city of Magdala in Israel, one of only seven synagogues from that era in the country that are extant. The “Magdala Stone,” showing a representation of the Temple in Jerusalem, was also found there along with spectacular mosaics. Credit: עמוס גל/CC BY-SA 4.0
Yet, only about ten percent of the entire ancient town has been uncovered thus far, with excavations primarily concentrated to the side of the retreat center. Visitors to the center can peer down into the remnants of the town, including stone streets, passageways, and the once-grand synagogue.
Magdala's Name and Significance
In the Babylonian Talmud, the town was known as Magdala Nunayya, which translates to "Tower of the Fishes" in Aramaic. Some historical geographers suggest that this name may refer to the large fish processing areas in the town.
Modern-day Migdal, an Israeli municipality founded in 1910, has now expanded into the former village's area. Preliminary archaeological excavations dating back to 2006 revealed that Magdala's history spans from the Hellenistic period to the late Roman period.
The Migdal Synagogue, a significant discovery, stands as the oldest synagogue found in Galilee and one of the few synagogues from that era discovered in Israel.
Magdala's Connection to Mary Magdalene
Magdala is recognized as the birthplace of Mary Magdalene, as evidenced by texts dating back to the 6th century AD. Christian sources from the 8th and 10th centuries AD speak of a church in the village believed to be Mary Magdalene's house, where Jesus is said to have exorcised her of demons.
The "Life of Constantine" attributes the construction of the church to Empress Helena in the 4th century AD, precisely at the location where Mary Magdalene's house was believed to have stood. Historical records from the 13th century corroborate the existence of this church and Mary Magdalene's house.
Many Christian scholars concur that Mary Magdalene hailed from Magdala Nunayya, and it's also thought to be the location where Jesus landed, as recorded in the New Testament.
In conclusion, the unearthing of the ancient city of Magdala in Israel is a monumental archaeological discovery that has unraveled a wealth of historical and religious significance. With its rich history, intricate mosaics, ancient synagogue, and the enigmatic Magdala Stone, this site offers a window into the past that continues to captivate scholars and visitors alike, shedding light on a pivotal period in the region's history and its connection to figures like Mary Magdalene and Jesus.