The Sea of Galilee from the western hills
Galilee
Northern region of ancient Israel, fertile and lake-fringed. Most of Jesus' ministry happened here.
Galilee is the fertile northern region of ancient Israel, centred on the freshwater Sea of Galilee — actually a lake about 21 km long. The region was densely populated in the first century, with fishing villages, agricultural terraces, and the Roman highway running through it. Jesus chose Capernaum on the lake's north shore as the base for his three-year ministry; most of his teaching, miracles, and the calling of the disciples happened in the towns ringing the lake.
“Galilee.” Atlas. Accessed 2026. https://fcbh-atlas.vercel.app/en/place/galilee
- placeJerusalem
Capital of Judah on a ridge in the Judean hills at 750 m elevation. Site of the Temple. Jesus was crucified an…
- placeBethlehem
Small town 9 km south of Jerusalem. Birthplace of King David, and of Jesus Christ. Name means 'house of bread'…
- placeNazareth
Hill town in Lower Galilee, about 25 km west of the Sea of Galilee. The boyhood home of Jesus.
- placeJordan River
Long, narrow river flowing south from Mount Hermon to the Dead Sea. Israel crossed it to enter Canaan; Jesus w…
- placeEgypt
Ancient kingdom of the Nile. Refuge of Abraham and Joseph, then a house of slavery, then the place from which …
- figureAbraham
Father of the Hebrew people. Called from Ur to Canaan and given the covenant promise. Lived around 2000 BC.