Magdala—Matthew 15:39

Located just north of Tiberius, Magdala was alarge and wealthy city on the Sea of Galilee. Founded in the second century BC by the Hasmoneans, the town apparently belonged to the“region of Magadan” (see Matt. 15:39). The Talmud mentions it several times (e.g., b.Shab. 139a; y.Sheb. 9.1). Its name in Hebrew is Migdal Nûnayya’ (“Tower of fish”). Given its name and large L-shaped harbor (810 f./247 m. long), fishing was a significant  industry for the city as was trade with the Decapolis on the eastern shore of Galilee. A mosaic uncovered on the floor of a wealthy homeowner depicts a boat similar to the so-called “Jesus boat” discovered in 1986. Josephus mentions marshaling 230 ships in this area during the first Jewish revolt (War 2.635).

Excavations of Magdala have uncovered broad boulevards, a well-developed public water supply with wells and fountains, and a large public bath complex. One of the most important finds was a large synagogue (1,300 ft2/120 m2) with a stone bench lining the interior walls, a raised platform with mosaics, and walls decorated with colorful frescoes. A stone table, probably used for reading the Hebrew Scriptures, had images on its top and sides of the Jerusalem Temple, including archways, a censer, ritual vessels, and the oldest representation of a menorah found outside Jerusalem. Not far from the synagogue were four ritual baths—unusual since they are so close to the Sea of Galilee, which itself could serve for ritual purification.

While several towns in first-century Israel had migdal as a part of their name, this is the only one near the Sea of Galilee. Considering its size, importance, location, and significant Jewish population, it is likely that Magdala was among the cities that Jesus visited (Matt. 9:35). Located at the southern end of the plain of Gennesaret, it was also most likely the home of Mary Magdalene (Mark 15:40), from whom Jesus cast out seven demons (Luke 8:2), and where some Pharisees and Sadducees demanded of Jesus a sign from heaven (Matt. 16:1-4).