As mentioned in the New Testament, the name is associated with Mary Magdalene. Perhaps Magdala is identified with the village Dalmoutha of the Evangelist Mark, to which Christ came after the miracle of the feeding of the five thousand. From Greek historical sources and especially from Jossepus Flavius, Magdala is well known as Tarihea (embalm). Magdala during the time of Christ was a famous town for her embalmed fish, from which she received the name Tarihea. Archaeological excavations brought to light ruins of a synagogue from the time of Christ, as well as ruins of an early Byzantine Monastery. Monk Epiphanios, who visited Magdala in the mid 9^th century found a Church in the place where was the house of Mary Magdalene.