Late in 1996, an ancient wine press was discovered among rock terraces on a hilltop over-looking modern-day Nazareth. An archaeological survey of the area was conducted and excavation of the site began in April 1997 under the direction of Ross Voss and Stephen Pfann. Initial finds included the wine press, agricultural terraces, stone irrigation channels, bases of five watchtowers, and pottery sherds dating the site to the first century of the common era-about the time of Jesus.

Evidence suggests that the first-century residents of this village made their living growing grapes, olives, and grain on terraces cut into the limestone hills. At harvest time, all of the estimated 300 villagers would have gathered to stomp grapes to extract the juice or to huddle in watchtowers at night guarding their produce against thieves.

While little is known about the early life of Jesus, Biblical texts indicate that he worked with his father, Joseph, as a carpenter, which probably included work with both wood and stone. The Nazareth village farm was within easy walking distance of Sepphoris, the capital of Galilee, which at that time was being completely rebuilt following destruction by the Romans. Even if Jesus and his father were kept busy with construction work at Sepphoris, they likely would have joined the villagers (probably extended family members) at harvest time.

Researchers feel that discoveries at this site preserve an important link between history and the New Testament. Scenes from his boyhood life found their way into Jesus' teaching, and his parables include many references to vineyards, to sowing seeds, and to harvesting grain. Jesus sought to convey the wisdom of God and the principles of His kingdom through the natural and social world of his audience.

"Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country:" Matthew 21:33

Today the site is being carefully reconstructed to reflect first-century life as accurately as possible, and it is open for tourists and pilgrims to experience. In addition to artifacts and implements from the first century, visitors can see replicas of a family dwelling built on cut bedrock as well as a first-century synagogue.

Wall of reconstructed first-century dwelling built on carved bedrock.	Reconstructed first century dwelling at Nazareth.
Reconstructed First Century Synagogue	Below, workers reconstruct ancient terraces

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