Biblical-era town discovered in Galilee

Archeologists claim to have found the ancient town of Dalmanutha, described in the New Testament as the place Jesus sailed to after multiplying the loaves and fish.

The town was found in the northwest coast of the Sea of Galilee, in Israel's Ginosar valley and it allegedly dates back more than 2,000 years.

Archeologists determined that evidence suggests the town was prosperous in ancient times. "Vessel glass and amphora hint at wealth," wrote Ken Dark of the University of Reading, whose team discovered the the town.

"Weights and stone anchors, along with the access to beaches suitable for landing boats -- and, of course, the first-century boat … all imply an involvement with fishing," he added.

Other remains found in the area such as architectural remnants and pottery suggest Jews and others following a polytheistic religion co-existed in the community.

Dark said he isn't certain that the town is in fact Dalmanutha, but there is evidence that supports the idea as the town is believed to have been a sizable and thriving location in the first century A.D. In addition, the name Dalmanutha has not been permanently linked to any other archeological site.

In the New Testament, Dalmanutha is mentioned briefly in the Gospel of Mark.

According to scripture, Jesus "got into the boat with his disciples and went to the region of Dalmanutha. The Pharisees came and began to question Jesus. To test him, they asked him for a sign from heaven. He sighed deeply and said, 'Why does this generation ask for a sign? Truly I tell you, no sign will be given to it.' Then he left them, got back into the boat and crossed to the other side." (Mark 8:10-13, New International Version)