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Galilee: in the footsteps of Jesus · Stop 6 · Day 2

Magdala

The shore of the Sea of Galilee at el-Majdal, the village shown as Magdala, c. 1890–1900.
The shore of the Sea of Galilee at el-Majdal, the village shown as Magdala, c. 1890–1900.Photochrom, Library of Congress · no known restrictions on publication

In the Bible

Among the women who traveled with Jesus was Mary called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out. Matthew says Jesus once sailed to the region of Magadan.

Luke 8:1–2Soon afterward, Jesus traveled from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with Him, as well as some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out,
Matt 15:39After Jesus had dismissed the crowds, He got into the boat and went to the region of Magadan.

Tradition

By tradition, Mary Magdalene came from this fishing town on the lake. Many identify Matthew's Magadan with Magdala, though manuscripts differ on the name.

Here today

Excavations begun in 2009 found a synagogue of Jesus' time with a carved stone showing the temple menorah; beside it, a modern church on the shore.

Through the eyes of old pilgrims

And near there was the house of Mary Magdalene; there Christ healed her of 7 demons, and that place is called Magdalia.Abbot Daniel, 1106–1108 · our translation

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Land outlines: Natural Earth (public domain).