Magdala from Arbel Cliffs. Magdala is traditionally identified as the birthplace of Mary Magdalene (Matthew 27:56, 61; 28:1; Mark 16:9; Luke 8:2; John 20:1, 18). Recently (2009), Magdala was in limelight after a first century synagogue and perfume bottles from the same era were discovered.

According to Talmud, there are two Magdala: 1) Magdala Gadar (near Gadar east to the Sea of Galilee) and 2) Magdala Nunayya or "Magdala of the Fishes" (near Tiberias west to the Sea of Galilee). Magdala Nunayya is identified as the Magdala of Mary the Magdalene. After the destruction of Jerusalem Temple by Romans in first century AD, Magdala became the seat of one of the twenty-four priestly divisions. 

Records of a church at the site from 4th century are known. The name of ancient Magdala and therefore the location of the site was preserved along with the Arab village Al-Majdal that existed here until 1948. From the ancient synagogue (50 BC to 100 AD) of Magdala, archaeologists have unearthed a seven-branched menorah (candelabrum), the likes of which have never been seen. It is the first menorah to be discovered  that dates to the Second Temple period. If the synagogue was active during first century, there is a very high chance that Jesus would have visited the site.