People are now referring to it as the ‘Jesus boat’

Nearly 40 years ago, two brothers, Moshe and Yuval Lufan, made an extraordinary discovery during a drought in the Sea of Galilee. They uncovered an ancient fishing boat submerged underwater—now famously known as the ‘Jesus Boat.’

Dating back about 2,000 years, this vessel offers a unique window into everyday life during the biblical era. While there is no evidence that Jesus or his disciples used this exact boat, its design matches common 1st-century craft, earning it the nickname.

Jesus Christ, believed to have lived between 6 and 4 BC, traveled throughout Israel, often preaching near the Sea of Galilee. The boat’s discovery near this historic region adds to its significance.

After the find in 1986, archaeologists from the Israel Antiquities Authority carefully excavated the 27-foot-long, 7.5-foot-wide vessel. Its flat bottom allowed it to sail close to shallow shores for fishing. The boat was built using ten types of wood, including cedar—likely a sign that builders used whatever materials were available.

The boat’s style also matches descriptions found in Roman writings, biblical texts, and ancient mosaics, linking it firmly to its time.

Today, the ‘Jesus Boat’ is preserved at the Yigal Allon Museum in Kibbutz Ginosar, Israel. Visitors can learn about its history and the excavation process. The museum also offers tours on Lake Galilee aboard a modern replica of this ancient craft, providing a hands-on connection to the world of Jesus and his followers.

This vessel not only preserves history but deepens our understanding of life two millennia ago.