Capernaum, located on the north shore of the Sea of Galilee, was the center of Jesus’ Galilean ministry (Matt. 9:1–2; Mark 2:1–5). An important and successful fishing and commercial center, it was home to Gentiles as well as Jews. The first-century population probably never exceeded 1,000 people. Capernaum was located on the crossroads of important trade routes, with fertile lands surrounding it. Roman soldiers constructed bath houses and storage facilities here. In spite of the many miracles performed here, the people generally rejected the Savior’s ministry. Jesus therefore cursed the city (Matt. 11:20, 23–24). In time, Capernaum fell into ruin and remains uninhabited.