Bethsaïde était une ancienne ville de Galilée, située sur la rive nord-est du , près de l'endroit où le Jourdain se jette dans le lac. Le nom Bethsaïde signifie "maison de la pêche" ou "maison de l'approvisionnement" en araméen.
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.
Localisation : Deux sites sont souvent proposés pour la localisation de Bethsaïde : Et-Tell et Al-Araj. Les fouilles ont mis au jour des preuves d' au premier siècle.
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.