Capernaum grew larger at the time of Jesus (early Roman period, 1st century AD), and a synagogue was built in the center of the village. It reached its peak in the Byzantine period when the grand white-stone Synagogue was built (end of the 4th century AD) over the earlier synagogue.
This photo shows the area between the synagogue and the 5th century church. The modern building, seen in the background, is the new church, which is built over the old church and the site of St Peter's house.
Parts of the synagogue stones are displayed in the area around the excavations.
