Tabgha
Two miles
west of Capernaum is what Josephus referred to as the "well of Capernaum."
Undoubtedly a popular fishing spot of the locals because of its famous "seven
springs," Heptapegon (today the name has been corrupted to Tabgha) is the
traditional location for several episodes in Jesus' ministry.
The seven springs that emerged at Tabgha (today only six have been discovered) produced water warmer than that of the Sea of Galilee. This warmer water helped the production of algae, which in turn attracted the fish. Fishermen thus have frequented this area for thousands of years.
Tabgha is the traditional location for the calling of the disciples. It is believed that here Jesus walked along the shore and called out to Simon Peter and Andrew who were casting their nets into the lake. Walking along, Jesus saw two other brothers, James and John who were preparing their nets with their father Zebedee. Jesus called all of these men to follow him.
Evidence of ancient boating activity at Tabgha is found in the recently discovered harbor on the shore. Visible when the water level is -211.50 m or lower, the curved western breakwater was 60 meters long. Another 40 m breakwater ran perpendicular to the shore and protected the 30 m wide basin which was entered from the east
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