Bookstore Glossary Library Links News Publications Timeline Virtual Israel Experience
Anti-Semitism Biography History Holocaust Israel Israel Education Myths & Facts Politics Religion Travel US & Israel Vital Stats Women
donate subscribe Contact About Home

Geography of Israel: Migdal

Migdal is an agricultural settlement in the Ginousar Valley, four kilometers north of Tiberias.

It is known as the birthplace of Mary Magdalene, who became a disciple of Jesus. It was originally inhabited in 1909 by a German Catholic order that tried to settle the valley. However, the prevalence of malaria forced the settlers to abandon. Later, in 1920, private farms whose chief crops were bananas and citrus groves were established.

During the Second Temple, it was a large city. The ancient city ofMagdala was known primarily for the fish salters and dyers who worked there. During the Jewish Revolt against Rome it was known as Magdala Tarikheai (Magdala of the fish salters, in Greek). Thecity withstood the Romans for a long time until it was conquered in 67 by Titus Falvius Vespasianus (who conquered Jerusalem in 70).

Joseph Trumpeldor's Labor Battalion was established here and, in 1921, a work camp which paved the Tiberias-Rosh Pina road was located at Migdal.


Sources: Copyright © 2001 Gems in Israel All rights reserved. Reprinted with Permission.