What did Nazareth look like at the time of Jesus?

At the time of Jesus, around the 1st century CE, Nazareth was a small, relatively insignificant village located in the Roman province of Judea, in what is today northern Israel. Here is a description of what Nazareth might have looked like during that period:

1. Physical setting:

Nazareth was situated on a hillside in the Lower Galilee region, surrounded by rolling hills and valleys. It overlooked the Nazareth Valley and the Jezreel Valley, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

2. Size:

Nazareth was a small village, covering a relatively small area. The population is believed to have been a few hundred people, mostly Jewish.

3. Buildings:

The houses in Nazareth were typically constructed using local limestone and sandstone. They were mostly simple, one-story structures with flat roofs. Many houses had inner courtyards, providing privacy and shade during hot weather.

4. Streets:

The streets of Nazareth were likely narrow and unpaved, making them dusty or muddy depending on the season. They would have been busy with people going about their daily activities.

5. Synagogue:

The village had a synagogue, which served as a place for Jewish religious services and gatherings. It was likely located at a central point within the village.

6. Occupations:

The primary occupation of the people of Nazareth was agriculture, with farming and tending livestock being common. Some individuals may have also been engaged in carpentry or other crafts.

7. Nazareth in religious texts:

Nazareth is mentioned several times in the New Testament of the Christian Bible, primarily in connection with the life of Jesus. It is described as the place where Jesus grew up, and where he performed some of his miracles.