Magdala Metal Finds and Their Metallurgy

Metal objects collected in Magdala from 2010 to 2017 were examined for typology and composition. The objects were classified into several groups, namely weights (mostly fishing sinkers), hooks, tools and sticks, and miscellaneous metals, and covered the different areas of Magdala. The most common metals present were lead (Pb) and copper (Cu). Although the objects indicate a poor fishing village, the large port seems an example of a burgeoning fishery. Mystery surrounds the name of the site. Magdala, Tarichaea, Migdal Nuniya, and Homonoia have all been used to name this town. Some authors have suggested that the name may be traced back to different towns of the 1st century CE. Josephus described that the city was located 30 stadia (c. 5km) from Tiberias but did not mention whether it was north or south of it. It has been suggested that Tarichaea was to be found 1km north and 1.5km northwest of Tel Bet Yerach. Conversely, others stated that Tarichaea was located at Magdala, north of Tiberias.