Has the Boyhood Home of Jesus Been Uncovered?

The childhood home of Jesus may have been uncovered according to archaeologists in Nazareth, Israel.

Underneath the Sisters of Nazareth Convent in Nazareth, archaeologist Ken Dark believes he has found a buried secret. The excavation site has been known since 1880, but it was never professionally excavated until a project began in 2006. In the most recent issues of Biblical Archaeology, Dark details his team’s findings.

The entrance into the home (Photo Credit: Ken Dark)

The Nazareth Archaeological Project, not only describes the remains of the home itself, but explores the evidence that suggests this is in fact the place where Jesus spent his formative years. The excavation includes a “courtyard house” that was partially constructed from naturally occurring rock formations and built with walls entirely made of rocks. Many of the home’s original features are still intact, including doors and windows.

The entrance to the tombs built beside the home (Photo Credit: Ken Dark)

“Archaeological and geographical evidence from the Church of the Annunciation, the International Marion Center and Mary’s Well come together to suggest that this location may be where Jesus transitioned from boy to man,” reads the article. After the house was abandoned it was used for quarrying and then in the first century two tombs were built alongside it.

The location in comparision to Sepphoris (Photo Credit: BAS)

The entrance opens to the “Chambre Obscure,” another part of the original house structure partly cut out of the natural rock. The rock overhang in the corner is naturally occurring and was likely left in its current form to support the roof. In front of the doorway, a fragment of the original floor survives.

There is no actual proof that this is indeed the boyhood home of Jesus but in the article Dark discusses the relationship between the home, Nazareth and the site of Sepphoris. It has been thought that Sepphoris had provided Joseph with work and Jesus with cultural experiences.

To read the full article in the educational non-profit journal click here.