The character and beauty of Bethsaida Valley attracted human settlement, and throughout history the area was inhabited by different communities, which enjoyed the fresh water and abundant nature.
Most of the settlers were apparently fishermen and farmers, and although there is evidence of settlement from the early Bronze Age (over 3500 years ago), that the valley became well-known mainly during the Second Temple period and Early Christian times.
As of this period, the valley was densely populated, including during the Roman and Byzantine period. Among the archaeological sites found throughout the nature reserve and in the surrounding area are a unique site of ancient tombstones from the early Bronze Age, an ancient flour mill, the remains of a monastery, a Muslim graveyard, and more.
