Israeli archaeologists find Hebrew inscriptions on ancient slab of marble near Lake Kinneret

The 1,500-year-old slab was dug up by scientists in Kursi, which lies on the eastern shore of Israel’s most important source of drinking water.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
Updated: DECEMBER 16, 2015 19:01
Slab of marble with Hebrew inscription found in Kursi (photo credit: JENNIFER MUNRO)
Slab of marble with Hebrew inscription found in Kursi
(photo credit: JENNIFER MUNRO)
Hebrew inscriptions were discovered on an ancient piece of rare marble discovered by Israeli archaeologists during an excavation on the shores of Lake Kinneret.
The 1,500-year-old slab was dug up by scientists in Kursi, which lies on the eastern shore of Israel’s most important source of drinking water.
The finding confirms historians’ belief that the ancient village of Kursi was inhabited either by Jews or Christians.
“This is the first indication that there was a Jewish presence, and it reinforces the belief that the town of Kursi was where Jesus performed the 'Miracle of the Swine.'"
According to tradition, Jesus healed two men said to have been possessed by demons by pushing them into a herd of pigs.
The excavation was supervised by Prof. Michal Artzi of Haifa University and Dr. Haim Cohen in concert with the Israel Antiquities Authority and the Israel Nature and Parks Authority.