Bethsaida
Bethsaida was an ancient city in Galilee, located on the northeastern shore of the Sea of Tiberias, near the point where the Jordan River flows into the lake. The name Bethsaida means “house of fishing” or “house of provision” in Aramaic.
Here are a few interesting facts about Bethsaida:
History: In the year 30, Herod Philip II, son of Herod the Great, decided to transform this modest fishing village into a large city, which he named Julias in honor of Livia, the wife of Emperor Augustus. However, the name Bethsaida has remained better known thanks to the Gospels.
Role in the Gospels: Bethsaida is mentioned several times in the Gospels as the place of residence of several of Jesus’ disciples, including Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John. It was also in Bethsaida that Jesus performed several miracles, including the healing of the blind man mentioned in Mark 8.22-26.
Archaeology: Archaeological excavations have uncovered remains of this city, including the ruins of public and private buildings dating from the Roman period. The city was destroyed during the Great Jewish Revolt and again by an earthquake and a flood.
Location: Two sites are often suggested as the location of Bethsaida: Et-Tell and Al-Araj. Excavations have uncovered evidence of Roman occupation in the first century.
Bethsaida is therefore a city of great historical and biblical significance, known for its connections to Jesus' disciples and for the miracles he performed in that region.
It appears that the city was built on both banks of the Jordan River. Thus, one part would be located to the west in Galilee, while the other would be to the east in the Decapolis.